Kenya Airways (KQ)'s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is due for delivery in March this year, is now under assembly at the Boeing facility in Seattle, according to the plane maker.

Kenya Airways has 9 787-8 aircraft on firm order, with a further 4 options which are expected to be turned into firm orders once deliveries have started.

In a gazette notice issued on December 27, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has approved a variation of Kenya Airways' current air service licence to include 787 on both international and domestic scheduled air service. Kenya Airways said it plans to operate its Dreamliner on China route from August.

According to the airline's plans, the Dreamliners will replace its aging 767 aircraft. Kenya Airways said it is upgrading its fleets with new planes to bring customers a more modern, comfortable and connected experience.