Kenya Airways has denied that it has faced flight disruptions owing to a shortage of cabin crew.
The national carrier was responding to reports carried by a local publication citing confidential correspondences that claimed cancellations and delays of flights started as early as December 3, 2023.
“Kenya Airways wishes to clarify as false the assertion that cabin crew shortages are resulting in flight disruptions,” Kenya Airways said in a statement.
Further, KQ, as Kenya Airways is known by its international code, also refuted claims that it is suffering from an acute shortage of cabin crew members. To defend their stand against the reports, the airliner said that indeed, their cabin crew members have increased by a considerable margin.
“The articles further assert that ‘The shortfall in the number of cabin crew workers comes after KQ let go of some of its staff members in 2020 to cut costs due to depressed earnings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic’.
“The journalist neglected to mention that we have added more than 314 cabin crew, and 91% of those whose contracts had not been renewed during COVID have since been recalled.
“Kenya Airways currently has 853 cabin crew compared to 936 pre-Covid,” the statement added.
Delays, disruptions
While acknowledging recent delays and disruptions, Kenya Airways said they are committed to ensuring such challenges are avoided in the future.
“Moreover, it’s worth noting that the recent flight delays acknowledged by the airline are primarily attributable to logistical challenges related to the on-time delivery of spare parts, as transparently communicated earlier.
“Kenya Airways remains dedicated to resolving these challenges swiftly and diligently, assuring its valued passengers of continued operational excellence in line with its unwavering commitment to the highest safety standards,” KQ added.
KQ stressed that it adheres to industry regulations and follows the operational guidelines outlined by its regulatory agency, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, to ensure the highest standards of staffing, safety, and service.
