Kenya Airways is set to continue operating two of its leased planes even as ownership of the aircraft changes hands under a transaction currently under review by the Comesa Competition Commission (CCC).

The regulator has begun investigating a proposal by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Capital to sell two aircraft it has leased in Kenya to US-based Azorra Aviation.

“The primary target assets comprise two aircraft currently leased to lessees located in Kenya,” said CCC in a notice published on Tuesday.

A check on DAE Capital’s records shows that its only client in Kenya is the national carrier, which has leased several planes from the Dubai-based firm, among them a Boeing 737-800 delivered in February to boost KQ’s fleet.

If approved, the deal will not affect the lease agreement, meaning KQ will still operate the aircraft, but lease payments will be directed to Azorra instead of DAE.

The exact planes set to be sold have not been disclosed, although DAE announced in May that it intends to sell up to 75 aircraft as part of efforts to refresh its portfolio.

The planned divestiture involves 50 Embraer E-Jets and 25 older, out-of-production aircraft, with different buyers targeted.

Azorra, which already has active lease arrangements with KQ, is acquiring the aircraft as part of its expansion strategy in the region.

“The parties further submitted that the acquiring group entered into the proposed transaction to support its goal as a commercial aircraft lessor, providing lease, financing, and asset management solutions with a focus on regional and narrow-body aircraft,” noted the CCC.

The Comesa Competition Commission regulates mergers and asset sales involving companies active in more than one member state.

Alongside the new inquiry, the body on Tuesday also cleared another aircraft deal involving Kenya Airways.

It unconditionally approved the acquisition of seven aircraft leased by AerCap to airlines in Kenya and Egypt by US-based Castlelake Aviation.

KQ is expected to be affected by this transaction as well, since it leases several Embraer E190s from AerCap. Disclosures to the regulator showed that AerCap’s sale formed part of its routine divestment.

Currently, Kenya Airways operates 43 planes, with about 18 leased from various international lessors, including AerCap, Nordic Aviation Capital, Aviation Capital Group, and BOC Aviation.