Cabot Aviation, a division of Air Partner and a leading aircraft remarketing broker, has announced that Kenya Airways has entered into a sale agreement with Omni Air International to purchase two B777-200 ER aircraft, following approval from Kenya Airways’ board. Omni Air International is a US based airline providing global passenger ACMI, wet lease and charter programmes.
The successful sale of the aircraft follows Cabot Aviation’s appointment in August 2015 as Kenya Airways’exclusive remarketing agent for the four B777-200ERs, with the serial numbers 33681, 33682, 33683 and 36124. Kenya Airways continues to retain Cabot Aviation to remarket the two remaining Boeing B777-200ERs and a spare Trent engine.
Kenya Airways announced its intention to sell the B777-200ER fleet in November 2014 as it sought to rationalise its fleet as part of its turnaround strategy. These aircraft were delivered new to Kenya Airways between 2004 and 2007 and operated on its scheduled routes – mainly long haul routes to Asia and Europe.
Kenya Airways group managing director and CEO Mbuvi Ngunze said: “I am pleased that we have reached this milestone. Although we announced our intention to rationalise our fleet in line with our current position more than a year ago, it has taken a while to find a good home for our B777-200. We are now satisfied with this sale and will make other important announcements on fleet rationalisation later this month”.
The two sold aircraft will be leaving for their new home during the next two months, once Kenya Airways completes their exit preparation, with the first one transferring before the end of this month.