Kenya Airways has expanded its aircraft maintenance capabilities after completing its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner landing gear replacement as it seeks to establish itself as a leading maintenance provider in Africa.

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The operation was completed on Monday, August 10, following six years of planning, training, and preparation by the airline's engineering teams.

Kenya Airways said its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) division at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi successfully replaced the landing gear on one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

The national carrier currently operates nine Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

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The operation involved jacking up the aircraft, removing and replacing the landing gear, integrating the systems, and conducting tests before certification.

“This complex maintenance activity brought together meticulous planning, specialised expertise and the skill of our engineering teams, from aircraft jacking and landing gear replacement to systems integration, testing and certification,” KQ said.

Gilbert Bett, Kenya Airways' Director of Technical, said the airline began preparing for the operation six years ago by reviewing the technical requirements, sourcing materials, and training its staff.

“So we've taken time to really review all the requirements starting from six years ago, making sure that the suppliers who are going to support us in this process,” Bett said.

Benson Ndirangu, Head of Technical Materials, said engineers first remove components connected to the landing gear, including harnesses, connectors, hydraulic tubes, and brakes.

The landing gear is then lowered using specialised equipment. Ndirangu said the equipment involved weighs about six tonnes, making precision critical throughout the operation.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke