National Carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced plans to boost fleet capacity from 42 to 55 aircraft in the next five years.

According to KQ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Kilavuka, the acquisition will boost efficiency and result in revenue growth.

“We plan to increase the number of our aircraft to 55 fleets in the next 5 years from the current fleet that we have of 42 aircraft.”

The announcement comes four months after the airline received its second freighter, a Boeing 737-800 Freighter, bringing the total cargo fleet to four and offering customers and partners more cargo capacity on its global network, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

The cargo freighters are also seen as a way to capture opportunities emerging from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to catalyze trade within the continent and out of Africa.

“We have made a commitment to gradually increase our cargo business and support our customers in their long-term needs and deliver possibilities in the air. The arrival of the new B738 Freighter, the second one this year, and the fourth in our cargo fleet, is a significant milestone in KQ Cargo’s fleet expansion plans.”

KQ also hinted at plans to grow destinations from the current 48 to over 60 in the next five years.