NAIROBI - Kenya Airways on Thursday dispatched a cargo flight in their 787 Dreamliner passenger aircraft from Nairobi to London, loaded with 40,000 kgs of fresh agricultural produce. KQ said the initiative to convert four wide-body passenger aircraft to fit cargo operations is aimed at reducing the impact of COVID-19 on operations.

The flight, which departed Nairobi's JKIA at 10 am Thursday, is in addition to KQ 2764 – a Boeing 787 Dreamliner which took off from Nairobi to Johannesburg on Sunday 12 April 2020, packed with medical supplies and other essential items.

Kenya Airways Dreamliner crew. PHOTO | CHAMS MEDIA

The Corona Virus pandemic has led to a drastic fall in demands for passenger flights as countries battle to curb the spread of the deadly disease. This has however led to a significant increase in cargo flights throughout the globe.

"There is a demand for cargo aircraft across the world and we will continue to play our part by keeping essential supplies moving during this time. Some of our grounded passenger aircraft will, therefore, complement the work of the cargo freighters to facilitate this," KQ said in a statement.

The airline aims to be among the catalysts of economic growth during the coronavirus pandemic and says it will play a role in the rebound, one step at a time.

"Looking at the entire value chain when it comes to producing what was uplifted today, we are pleased to be supporting the different players in that chain and will continue to do so as part of our purpose which is, contributing to the sustainable development of Africa," KQ's statement further reads.

Kathleen Kang'ethe, the lead captain for the London trip said while the coronavirus pandemic has almost halted every operation throughout the world, there is still hope.

“I have been with Kenya Airways for 19 years I joined in 2001... The crisis, unfortunately, has brought everything pretty much to a standstill, but we are able to continue with cargo business. I’m happy to be flying the Dreamliner to London carrying agricultural produce and flowers, let’s keep hope alive," she said.

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