Last Updated on May 15, 2026 by courtnews reporter

Qambi Group Moves to Court to Stop Boeing Aircraft Repossession at JKIA

Published: May 15, 2026 | 12:22 AM EAT

A Kenyan airline operator has moved to court seeking urgent orders to stop the repossession of a Boeing cargo aircraft currently parked at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

Qambi Group Limited has filed a case seeking to block Aviation Capital LLC from repossessing aircraft Registration No. ER-BCT/MSN 26850 (Boeing 737-300F).

The cargo airline wants the court to restrain the aviation firm, its agents, or anyone acting on its behalf from taking possession of the aircraft pending the hearing and determination of the dispute.

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Airline Seeks Protection Over Aircraft Access

Qambi Group is also seeking court orders to prevent interference with its access to the aircraft, including any alleged harassment or obstruction by the leasing company.

According to court documents, the dispute stems from a wet lease agreement signed on June 24, 2025, under which Qambi leased the Boeing aircraft from Aviation Capital LLC.

A wet lease arrangement typically includes the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance provided by the lessor.

Qambi Alleges Breach of Contract

The airline claims Aviation Capital breached the agreement and frustrated its implementation, making it impossible for Qambi to meet its contractual obligations.

The company told the court that efforts to resolve the disagreement amicably were unsuccessful, accusing the aviation firm of instead threatening to repossess and remove the aircraft from Kenya.

Qambi says the matter has already been referred to arbitration under the Kenyan Arbitration Act after the company issued a notice terminating the lease agreement.

“The actions of the respondent offend principles of good corporate governance and amount to a gross breach of contract,” the company told the court.

CEO Details Payments Made

Through CEO Charles Muthui, Qambi said Aviation Capital presented itself as the lawful owner of the aircraft during negotiations.

Under the original lease agreement:

• Monthly rent was set at USD 250,000

• Security deposit was USD 250,000

The airline says the parties later agreed that an initial USD 80,000 would be paid toward the deposit, with the balance payable within six months.

Qambi told the court it paid:

• USD 250,000 pre-payment

• USD 80,000 deposit contribution

Total paid: USD 330,000

Delays and Additional Payment Claims

The airline says the lease was to begin after approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority because the aircraft was foreign-registered.

Qambi then started the process of obtaining a Foreign Operator Certificate (FOC).

However, court documents state that when the airline sought delivery of the aircraft from Sharjah, UAE, Aviation Capital allegedly delayed the release, claiming it first needed to transport cargo.

Qambi says it later paid an extra USD 25,000 after being asked for additional funds before release of the aircraft and cargo.

Despite that payment, the airline claims more delays followed, including explanations that no crew was available to ferry the aircraft to Nairobi.

The company later discovered there was allegedly no cargo awaiting transport.

Temporary Operating Arrangement

According to court filings, the parties later entered into a temporary operational arrangement pending KCAA approval.

Under this arrangement:

• Payment would depend on flight hours

• Qambi would pay crew per diem

• Accommodation costs

• Parking charges

However, Qambi insists the temporary arrangement did not replace the original wet lease contract.

The airline maintains the dispute should now be resolved through arbitration rather than repossession.