Kenya Airways (KQ) and Travelport have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with the graduation of a new cohort of industry-ready trainees from the Pride Centre, marking another milestone in efforts to build a skilled, globally competitive aviation workforce.
More than 100 trainees completed IATA-aligned programmes delivered through the KQ Pride Centre, benefiting from access to Travelport’s modern distribution and retailing tools. The partnership ensures learners gain hands-on experience with the same technology used by leading travel agencies, ground handlers, and airline operations teams worldwide.
The importance of such training cannot be overstated. According to the latest IATA Value of Air Transport study, the aviation sector contributes approximately Ksh 425 billion (USD 3.3 billion) to Kenya’s economy, supporting 460,000 jobs — 5,700 of which are directly employed by airlines. With Kenya positioning itself as a regional aviation hub, the demand for well-trained professionals continues to rise.
Training programmes covered key skill areas including digital ticketing systems, customer service excellence, ground operations, sustainability, cargo and logistics management, and the use of modern distribution platforms. Through the KQ–Travelport collaboration, learners gained exposure to tools that enhance booking efficiency, real-time data use, and airline–agency connectivity.
During the graduation, the KATA CEO emphasized the significance of such industry-aligned training, noting that the combination of IATA-certified instruction, Kenya Airways’ operational experience, and Travelport’s cutting-edge technology creates a strong talent pipeline that will shape Kenya’s aviation future.
Industry stakeholders note that such standardized, technology-driven training gives Kenyan graduates a competitive advantage in both the regional and global aviation market. As the sector grows, the expertise of these newly certified professionals will play a crucial role in improving service quality, operational efficiency, and industry innovation.
Kenya Airways and Travelport reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to high-impact, future-focused training, ensuring that Kenya continues to produce world-class aviation talent capable of supporting the country’s long-term industry growth.
