Kenya Airways is facing a number of complaints related to flight delays and cancellation, which are eating into the company’s revenue. In August alone, KQ has already canceled over 52 flights.
Between January and July, KQ spent Ksh118 million to cater for accommodation after flight delays and cancellations. The cost is eating into the carrier’s revenue, which is mostly dependent upon passenger bookings. For instance, KQ has provided housing for 19,345 passengers for the past seven months. Such has resulted in hotel and meal expenditure 250% above its budget.
An analysis of the airlines’ One Time Performance reveals that delays originate from many staff constraints, technical issues, and air traffic congestion in destinations.
In 2019 alone, crew shortages and crew no show led to the cancellation of 182 flights. Problems with crew shortages arise from a collective bargaining agreement subject to misuse. The CBA allows pilots to stay away for as much as 48 hours without offering explanations.
The delays also cost the airlines’ global ranking. By today, the national carrier ranked seventh out of 13 major airlines in the Middle East and Africa. Kenya Airways has delayed 28.16% out of 4721 tracked flights.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia says that negotiations are underway with Kenya Airlines Pilots Association to renegotiate the CBA.
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