AWAS announced today that it has agreed to a purchase and leaseback transaction for three 787-8 Dreamliners with the flag carrier of Kenya, Kenya Airways. These aircraft were originally ordered by the airline directly from the manufacturer and the first of the three aircraft has delivered today.

Kenya Airways group managing director and chief executive officer Mbuvi Ngunze remarked on the deal, “Our airline has been on an aggressive modernization strategy. The new B787-8s have been instrumental in transforming our operations with state of the art efficiency and passenger comfort. We thank AWAS who has proven to be a valuable, responsive and flexible business partner, one that we look to grow with into the future.”

Ray Sisson, President & CEO AWAS commented, “All of AWAS would like to welcome Kenya Airways as a returning customer and we would also like to thank them for the trust they have placed in us. This marks a milestone for AWAS, our first of many planned new technology aircraft acquisitions with these three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.”

Kenya Airways is a member of the Sky Team Alliance and a leading African airline flying to 52 destinations worldwide, including 42 intra-Africa. It carries over three million passengers annually and has undergone a significant fleet modernisation programme to fly one of the youngest fleets in Africa.

Kenya Airways has been recently recognised with several industry awards for performance excellence:
· Africa’s Leading Airline-Business Class in the World Travel Awards 2014
· Top ten most improved Airlines in the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2014
· Best Cargo Airline in Africa Award
· International Safety Award 2014