Cabot Aviation - 15 Jan 2016
Cabot Aviation, a division of Air Partner plc and a leading aircraft remarketing broker, is pleased to announce that Kenya Airways has entered into a sale agreement with Omni Air International to purchase two Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft, following approval from Kenya Airways’ board.
Omni Air International is a US based airline providing global passenger ACMI, wet lease and charter programs.
The successful sale of the Boeings 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 - especially the long haul routes to Asia and Europe. The aircraft are powered by Rolls Royce Trent 892B engines and are currently configured with 28 business and 294 economy seats.
Tony Whitty, CEO and founder of Cabot Aviation, said: “We are delighted to have started the year by arranging this sale for Kenya Airways in difficult market conditions. Our focus is now on finding a new owner for the remaining two aircraft”.
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 rationalize 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 rationalization 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.