Kenya Airports Authority to Sell 90+ Abandoned Planes

In a significant move, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced plans to auction more than 90 abandoned aircraft and components at four airports across the country. This decision, prompted by safety concerns, comes as the authority invites interested bidders to participate in a public auction, with prices ranging from Sh94,300 to Sh10 million.

The gazette notice issued by KAA specifies that the planes, abandoned at Jomo Kenyatta, Wilson, Lokichoggio, and Malindi airports, must be claimed by their owners within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in the aircraft being auctioned off.

The list of planes slated for auction includes those owned by prominent entities such as Kenya Airways, Jubba Airways, 748 Air Services, Fly540, Fly Sax, National Airways, and African Express. Training institutions like Moi University, Flight Training Centre, and 99 Flying School also have aircraft among the lots.

Owners are urged to promptly claim their aircraft, settle outstanding charges, and cover any incidental costs. The failure to comply will lead to the public auction of the planes, with the proceeds used to offset incurred charges, and any surplus remaining credited to the owners.

The auction will be conducted on an “As-is-where-it-is” basis, signifying that the aircraft will be sold in their current condition. Notably, the most expensive aircraft up for auction is a Hulanda, registration 5H-KLA, belonging to Tandill Limited, with a starting bid of Sh10,045,000.

Among the aircraft scheduled for auction are Kenya Airways’ retired Boeing 737-300 and two McDonnell Douglas DC-9s operated by African Express Airways. The move underscores the importance of addressing safety risks posed by abandoned planes while also aiming to recover outstanding fees accrued by these aircraft over time.

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