Kalpa withdraws security checks for KQ amid engineers shortage

The Kenya Airlines Pilots Association (Kalpa) will not be running security and safety checks for Kenya Airways (KQ) prior to take off, a prospect that could compromise the security and safety of crew and passenger safety.

Kalpa, in a statement, said it was terminating the crew concept procedure, which involves pilots undertaking tasks reserved for engineers such as filling of technical logbooks including flight certification before an aircraft is allowed to take off. An industry source told Business Hub KQ was forced to undertake this measure because of a shortage in engineers.

KQ now services most of its planes in Jordan, the source who sought anonymity said.

However, Business Hub has been reliably informed by an industry source that Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), KQ and Kalpa had a meeting this afternoon, where KQ was overruled by the regulator.