Michael Joseph speaks on resumption of international flights

Kenya Airways board Chairman Michael Joseph on Wednesday spoke on the scheduled resumption of international flights this Saturday saying the national carrier is well-prepared.

Speaking on an interview on a local TV station, Joseph said he expects numbers to be quite low for a start but will pick with time.

“The wait has been a long one for us…it is a little bit nervous in terms of will we get enough passengers? Will all the protocols put in place work well?

“We have been freighters for the past few months so it is not completely new but still it would be nice to know that we will have full flights,” he said.

Adding: “Our passenger load looks pretty good so far… the first days will be quite low, I think, probably around 60% - 65%.”

Joseph added everyone who boards a plane will have their temperature checked and masks will be worn at all times except during meals.

Asked whether it is economical to fly at the moment, he said a 65%-70% load factor is economical but anything below that might not work well.

“I think as long as we get a 65% - 70% load factor then it becomes economical for us to fly…we are not going to fly uneconomically for sure…we cannot afford to do such a thing,” he said.

Elsewhere, Joseph was appointed the new Safaricom board chairman and will take the place of Nicholas Ng’ang’a who served for 13 years.

Through a statement, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa lauded Michael Joseph’s contribution to the growth of the telco giant.

"He brings a wealth of skills and industry knowledge given his contribution to the growth of Safaricom from very humble beginnings to becoming one of the most innovative, influential and profitable companies in the East African region," said Ndegwa.