Etihad Airways is gearing up to reconnect East Africa with a brand-new daily service to Nairobi, slated to kick off on May 1, 2024.
In partnership with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), Etihad Airways is pulling out all the stops for a spectacular launch event. This exclusive occasion will take place at the newly inaugurated JW Marriott Hotel, the tallest hotel in Kenya boasting an impressive 35 storeys.
This non-stop flight will whisk passengers from Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi to Nairobi, with departure scheduled for 9:05 and arrival at 13:15 local time. Return flights will depart Nairobi at 18:10, arriving back in Abu Dhabi at 00:20.
Operating this route will be the Airbus A320 aircraft, boasting both business and economy cabins to cater to diverse passenger needs.
Beyond simply facilitating travel, this service heralds a vital reestablishment of direct commercial connections between these two vibrant cities. It’s poised to catalyze a surge in cross-business collaborations and trade opportunities between the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.
Excited to embark on this journey? Tickets are already available for purchase via Etihad Airways’ website. Secure your seat now and get ready to explore the wonders of East Africa like never before!
Qatar Airways announces the latest expansion of its network to include Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enabling greater frequencies and increased capacity to Luanda, Angola.
This latest network expansion provides passengers with greater travel choices within a key region of Africa, opening up a new entry point for international travel from Africa to China, Europe and the India Subcontinent using Doha, Qatar, as a gateway. The addition of Kinshasa increases the number of destinations in Africa served by the award-winning airline to twenty-nine.
Starting from the first of June 2024, Luanda will see a frequency increase from one weekly flight to four weekly flights with a combined service to Kinshasa which Qatar Airways will serve for the first time. For a world-class experience, the new route will be served by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, equipped with 22 Business Class seats and 232 Economy Class seats.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “We have seen significant milestones in our 2024 network expansion and this latest addition is particularly special, as it continues our strategic goal of increasing our footprint in Africa.”
“The inclusion of Kinshasa in our network is the latest manifestation of our efforts to improve connectivity to Africa. Qatar Airways has showcased its commitment to the region by providing passengers in Africa with greater choice to explore different corners of the world through our network and our hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport.”
In response to growing demand for travel between East and Southern Africa, Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched a brand-new route connecting Nairobi directly to the vibrant city of Maputo, Mozambique. This exciting expansion takes flight from 14th June 2024, further solidifying KQ’s commitment to strengthening its network and offering seamless travel experiences across the continent.
“The demand for air travel is soaring, and we’re determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa’s rich cultures and thriving economies,” says Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways. “The addition of Maputo to our network strengthens ties between Kenya and Mozambique, opening doors for increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”
Beyond its designation as a major trade hub for southern Africa, Maputo enchants visitors with its rich tapestry of history and culture. Portuguese colonial influences are evident in the city’s architecture, while vibrant markets and a flourishing art scene offer a glimpse into contemporary Mozambican life. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches or exploration of fascinating museums, Maputo promises an unforgettable experience.
Starting 14th June, KQ will operate three flights per week to Maputo, with Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays becoming the flexible gateways to exploring this dynamic city. Beyond Maputo, this expansion complements KQ’s broader network strategy for FY2024, which also boasts increased frequencies to popular destinations like New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown.
During the inaugural Payments Summits, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) provided a comprehensive overview of innovations in IATA Payment solutions. This presentation, led by IATA’s Country Manager East Africa, Agnes Mucuha, highlighted the organization’s Focus Africa initiative. This initiative is dedicated to maximizing aviation’s contribution to African development by enhancing services for passengers and shippers.
Focus Africa Initiative: The Focus Africa initiative, spearheaded by IATA, is geared towards delivering measurable improvements in six critical areas: safety, infrastructure, connectivity, finance and distribution, sustainability, and skills development. Of particular relevance to the Payments Summit discussion was the focus on finance and distribution, aiming to accelerate the implementation of secure, effective, and cost-efficient financial services, alongside the adoption of modern retailing standards.
IATA EasyPay (IEP): A significant aspect of the presentation centered on IATA EasyPay (IEP), an optional pay-as-you-go solution designed for travel agents. IEP provides a simpler and more secure method for transacting with airlines through the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP). It’s noteworthy that IEP is a closed-loop electronic payment solution, voluntary in nature, and devoid of any charges, offering greater flexibility and choice for Accredited Travel agents to manage their business challenges.
From left: Agnes Mucuha, Country Manager East Africa, International Air Transport Association (IATA); Hamisi Hassan, Vice Chairman, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)
Advantages for Participants: IATA outlined the advantages of IATA EasyPay for participating Airlines and IATA Accredited Agents:
Voluntary: IEP is available to all IATA accredited agents, with the decision to use it resting with each agent. It does not intend to replace existing payment methods in the BSP.
Secure: IEP ensures security by requiring agents to fund their IATA EasyPay account. The system verifies fund availability at the time of ticket issuance, mitigating the risk of chargebacks for airlines.
Fast: IATA settles IEP amounts to airlines on a daily basis through existing BSP processes, ensuring prompt transfer of funds within 48 to 96 hours following ticket issuance.
Economical: With low transaction costs, IEP proves to be more cost-effective for airlines compared to credit card transactions.
Flexible: IEP transactions are secure, allowing agents to lower their financial security amounts with IATA and issue transactions outside their cash issuance capacity.
Expansion in Africa: An exciting revelation from the presentation was that the IATA EasyPay service is now available in 27 countries across Africa. Moreover, IATA is actively collaborating with authorities to expand into additional markets, demonstrating a commitment to support Africa’s aviation industry and modernize financial services and solutions across the continent.
In summary, IATA’s presentation at the Payments Summits provided valuable insights into the innovative strides being made in IATA Payment solutions, particularly through the introduction of IATA EasyPay. As the initiative gains momentum and expands its footprint across Africa, it promises to revolutionize financial transactions within the aviation sector, benefitting both airlines and travel agents alike.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Absa Bank Kenya, in conjunction with Visa, has unveiled the Visa Commercial Choice Programme, a pioneering Corporate Card solution aimed at members affiliated with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). This innovative initiative promises a myriad of benefits including enhanced automation, flexibility, and improved cash flow management for travel agents across the country.
From left: Dr. Joseph Kithitu, KATA Chairman; Moses Muthui, Consumer Banking Director, Absa Bank; James Kabuthi, Head of Products and Solutions, East Africa, Visa
Under this strategic partnership, travel agents under KATA, representing a formidable network of over 300 travel agencies, stand to gain from streamlined payment solutions tailored specifically for business to business (B2B) transactions. These solutions are geared towards fostering efficient working capital management, operational effectiveness, and improved supplier relationships.
The Visa Commercial Choice Travel Programme, freshly introduced by Absa Bank, offers a plethora of advantages for travel agents within KATA. Notably, agents now have the option to conduct transactions in Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars, empowering them to effectively manage cash flows and optimize working capital. Furthermore, members can leverage the Visa Commercial Pay Virtual Card Platform to automate booking processes and access cutting-edge tools for data management and reconciliation, complete with an intuitive reporting feature for seamless monitoring.
In addition to the tailored Corporate Card solution, Absa Bank is also rolling out a revamped Absa Corporate Visa Card, equipped with enhanced features and flexibility to address the diverse needs of businesses. Through this card and the innovative Visa Commercial Pay Virtual Card Platform, businesses can exercise greater control over employee-initiated expenses and payments, thereby enhancing visibility and operational efficiency.
Commenting on the collaboration, Moses Muthui, Consumer Banking Director at Absa Bank, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The collaboration between Absa Bank Kenya, Visa, and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower businesses and accelerate digital inclusion in this space with smarter and integrated payment solutions.”
Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the partnership’s commitment to innovation and service excellence. She emphasized, “By combining Visa’s global reach and advanced technology with Absa’s deep local market expertise, we are confident that this new payment solution will significantly enhance the way travel agents manage their transactions, providing them with a seamless, efficient and secure experience.”
Nicanor Sabula, CEO of KATA, lauded the collaboration, affirming its importance in catering to the specific needs of members and underscoring the commitment to industry-focused financial solutions.
From left: Dr. Joseph Kithitu, KATA Chairman; Moses Muthui, Consumer Banking Director, Absa Bank; James Kabuthi, Head of Products and Solutions, East Africa, Visa at the Launch of the Corporate Cards for Travel Agents
The Absa Corporate Visa Card offers a range of features including virtual and physical card options, granting customers the flexibility to adapt to various payment scenarios. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with Visa Commercial Pay, facilitating hassle-free payments to travel suppliers such as airlines and hotels while streamlining reconciliation processes.
With the launch of the Absa Corporate Visa Card, Absa Bank Kenya reiterates its dedication to innovation and excellence in client service. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, the bank continues to deliver solutions that resonate with the evolving needs of businesses in Kenya and beyond.
Kenya stands to lose on international visitors despite the government’s visa-free initiative, travel agents have cautioned.
This is as a result of a “tedious” process in the acquisition of the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which replaced the visa requirement in January.
Most affected are those initially exempted from obtaining an entry visa, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has said, where there were at least 41 countries whose citizens were allowed to visit Kenya visa-free, including the East African Community member states.
While the government has removed the visa requirement for all, most of the countries that enjoyed visa-free access have been thrown back to the eTA platform, with their citizens required to pay the $30 processing fee.
Industry players are concerned that the eTA introduced fresh costs and paperwork, with travelers also required to share proof of air ticket and hotel booking.
When applying for the eTA, the traveler must provide their arrival and departure dates.
Persons holding previously issued e-visas, including East Africa travel visas are however exempted from the requirement of applying for eTA.
“Countries that were allowed visa-free into the country have been impacted as they have to undergo the tedious process and payment. This is the segment that we must address otherwise we could lose out,” KATA chief executive Nicanor Sabula told the Star.
He spoke on the sideline of the inaugural two-day Kenya Travel Industry Payments Summit in Nairobi, which has brought together industry players, fintechs and other players in the payment landscape, to explore the intersection between payments and the travel industry.
According to KATA, there is a need for the government to simplify the process and reduce the requirements, especially on the paperwork (required online submissions).
“The effect and impact is not what we had anticipated as a market and therefore our call to the government is that can we facilitate and make it easier for people to travel to Kenya. We need to tweak it and lessen the process. Find a mechanism that will make the process easier,” Sabula said.
Tanzania for instance issues visas on arrival with lesser requirements, KATA noted.
The travel agents’ lobby has also raised concerns over the “unpredictable” tax environment in the country, which it says is impacting the industry.
“We sale travel in advance sometimes up to one year early so every time there is a change in the taxation framework, that affects the costs of our products. It means we have to bear that cost or when we pass it to the client, they complain as they feel cheated,” Sabula said.
Meanwhile, the association is pushing for a wider adoption of the latest payment systems including cryptocurrency, to ensure Kenya remains competitive in the fast-changing travel industry.
According to KATA chairman Joseph Kithitu, the industry is witnessing the convergence of technological innovations, changing consumer behaviors, and regulatory shifts that are reshaping the payments landscape not only in Kenya but across the globe.
“From traditional credit cards to a myriad of digital payment options, the expectations of travelers have evolved. We must adapt to these changing dynamics, ensuring that our payment systems meet the evolving needs and expectations of our customers,” Kithitu said.
In June 2023, over 46 years since its formation, Kenya Airways rolled out Asante Rewards, its much-anticipated loyalty program. Prior to that, Kenya Airways customers were invited to join Air-France-KLM’s Flying Blue frequent flyer program as part of their long-standing partnership.
Asante Rewards was designed with the African market and dynamics in mind. It was created after several years of research and customer feedback to offer loyal passengers more rewards and exclusive benefits. While Asante is not as extensive as programs from other legacy carriers, there are several ways to earn reward points, including flying and non-flying activities. So, let us explore how the loyalty program works.Earning Asante Reward points
Customers have a chance to earn both reward and tier points. As a SkyTeam member, Kenya Airways allows members to earn points on its own flights or when traveling with some of its alliance partners. Reward points are redeemable for flights and added benefits, while tier points help with progression from one tier to another.
Asante Rewards members can earn points each time they travel on Kenya Airways-operated flights. The carrier breaks it down into three simple steps – fly, earn, and redeem. The more you fly, the faster you move between tiers and unlock additional benefits. Asante members can receive points on all qualifying Kenya Airways fares and products. However, the number of points earned depends on the passenger’s destination, fare type, and travel class.
The Nairobi-based carrier offers two classes of travel – economy and business, with four booking classes in economy and three in business. Each booking class offers a different percentage of earnings, with Economy Best Buy as the lowest and Business Super Flex as the highest. The highest amount to be earned on domestic flights is 1,000 points at a rate of 200%.
For travel between Kenya and other African countries, passengers can earn up to 8,000 points depending on travel class and the destination. For example, Economy Standard passengers flying to South Africa can earn up to 1,500 points, while Business Super Flex customers flying to Senegal, Liberia, or Sierra Leone can earn as much as 8,000 points.
Kenya Airways’ intercontinental routes have the highest earnings potential. A passenger flying to or from the US can earn 16,000 Asante Rewards Points when traveling in the most elite class. However, the Kenyan carrier only flies to New York (JFK) in the US.
According to KQ, points will be reflected in a member’s account within 24 hours after a flight. Members are also allowed family pooling to accrue points faster, with each household account taking up to eight members. While children under 18 cannot hold individual accounts, anyone between 2 and 18 years can be enrolled in the household account.Earning points with partners
Asante Rewards customers have an opportunity to earn through Kenya Airways’ airline and non-airline partners. Just like other loyalty programs, points can also be earned without flying. The carrier has two hotel partners: Pride Inn and Serena Hotels. Both hotels offer a chance to earn points as well as discounts on food, beverages, and accommodation.
Depending on the booking class, members can earn tier points and qualifying flights when traveling with Air France. This includes flights with the AF code operated by Air France, Kenya Airways or SkyTeam carriers (except KLM), and Air France Hop. It also includes Hop flights with airline numbers in the SkyTeam alliance. Frequent flyers can earn a minimum of 500 points for every sector flown.Similarly, members can earn tier points and qualifying flights on KLM services to and from various destinations. This includes flights with the KL code, operated by KLM, Kenya Airways or other SkyTeam airlines (excluding Air France), and KLM Cityhopper. You can also earn points when traveling on KLM City Hopper flights with flight numbers from other SkyTeam members. Each sector offers at least 500 points.With the ongoing partnership between the three carriers, customers who were part of other frequent flyer programs were welcomed to enroll in Asante Rewards. Kenya Airways provides status match, allowing Flying Blue members to retain their tier levels.The various tiers and benefits
The amount of points to be earned also depends on the membership tier. Asante Rewards comprises four tiers: Ruby, Silver, Gold Elite Plus, and Platinum Elite Plus, with Ruby being the lowest. The bonus points have the following percentages:
Ruby: None
Silver Elite: 50%
Gold Elite Plus: 75%
Platinum Elite Plus: 100%
Kenya Airways grants 1,000 enrolment points in the Ruby tier after your first flight. Following that, 20,000 tier points or 15 sectors will be required to qualify for the Silver Tier, 40,000 points or 30 sectors for Gold, and 65,000 points or 60 sectors for Platinum. All sectors are for flights operated by KQ or its SkyTeam partners.Each tier also provides different benefits, like preferred seating, extra baggage allowance, Sky Priority, elite Plus recognition, priority check-in, priority boarding, and lounge access. However, all members get dedicated phone line service and promotional airline discounts. Furthermore, points in all tiers expire after 24 months of inactivity.From March 2024, Asante members with at least 7,000 points can redeem them for an award ticket to any domestic destination, while those with at least 9,000 points can acquire a ticket to any international destination. It is important to note that applicable charges, surcharges, and government charges still apply to Kenya Airways award tickets. Additionally, you cannot earn points when traveling with an award ticket.
The history of this great company is intricately linked to the hard work, persistence, and passion of dedicated employees.
Our success story begun in 2018 as a travel agent company and through collective efforts we have grown to become one of the leading airlines in Kenya. We take pride in our commitment to putting our customers first and providing them with a unique and exceptional experience from our services.
Our dedication in deploying safe, reliable, and quality services through teamwork has enabled us to successfully operate scheduled flights to Wajir, Mandera, Mogadishu and Juba among others with approximately 110,000 passengers flown to all our destinations over the past 2 years. I Fly Air’s main goal is to serve our clients. We will continue striving for excellence and we remain devoted in taking I Fly Air to the next level with the purpose of creating an enduring legacy in the industry.
Explore our routes from Wilson Airport to Wajir and Mandera daily and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport weekly to Mogadishu and Juba.
Travel with us today by contacting our 24/7 call center on 0740 100 100 or book your ticket online www.ifly.co.ke Choose us and Fly with Class, Comfort and Convenience. We are the Wings of Africa!
The Government of Zanzibar through its Indian Ocean Island Minister of Infrastructure, Communication, and Transport, Khalid Salum Mohamed, has also announced Kenya-based budget carrier Jambojet will start direct flights to Zanzibar and Mombasa.
“Considering Zanzibar’s 2050 Vision of enhancing the blue economy and increasing the number of visitors to our island, the expansion of infrastructure is essential to help achieve our goal and is a current national priority,” Khalid Mohamed told press.
The maiden flights will start on July 1, 2024, with the Jambojet carrier flying four times a week between the two destinations tourist hubs. Initial fares are set at a starting at roughly $113 for a one-way ticket.
It is expected that the budget airline will increase the number of tourists and business travelers entering Zanzibar significantly.
As it gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Jambojet Managing Director and CEO Karanja Ndegwa said the decision to establish this new route is driven by the increase in demand as well as the ambition to unlock commercial opportunities in the region.
“Since inception, Jambojet has been focusing on connecting people in the underserved or unserved routes,” commented an official from the company.
In a similar move, Zanzibar is now in talks with the Saudi Arabian government with a plan of introducing direct flights to Zanzibar from Riyadh city.
“Direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Zanzibar will be a big opportunity to boost trade and strengthen relations. It will also help ease transport for pilgrims to and from Mecca,” commented Zanzibar State Minister, Office of the President, Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman.
With the increase in direct flights to and from the spice islands, Zanzibar is enhancing its global appeal as a top tourist destination of choice for holidaymakers.
Direct flights are aslo an impetus for economic development through increased trade and also serve to boost regional and international relations.
Business travel has changed for thousands of workers, thanks to COVID, cost-cutting and environmental worries.
That’s according to a Sunday (Feb. 25) Financial Times (FT) report, which says some big companies in the U.S. and Europe have stopped allowing nonessential trips, while many business travelers are taking longer trips to reduce the need for repeat visits.
“You have to have a real story behind the trip to have it approved now,” one London-based banker told the FT. Another said that senior staff are traveling nearly as regularly as before the pandemic, while junior employees have seen trips cut back.
Elsewhere, companies are changing the way they travel, often with an environmentally conscious goal in mind, the report said.
For example, the American pharmaceutical company Parexel has a travel policy that encourages staff to go by train instead of by air when possible. In Germany, where the firm has more than 750 employees, 96% of domestic trips are now taken by train.
Still, the report notes that business travel isn’t dead, with global bookings coming to 70% of 2019 levels in October 2023, compared to 63% in April, according to survey data by the Global Business Travel Association.
Lawyers and bankers still hit the road to close deals, sales reps still value face-to-face meetings, and many industries cannot function without moving large numbers of workers.
Last month, United Airlines said that it was looking to the return of business travel to provide an industry-wide tailwind.
“Domestic demand remains strong with increases in business traffic volumes year over year,” said United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella, adding that the airline is “particularly bullish about what Asia looks like going forward.”
“We’ve all sat on calls and predicted the recovery of business traffic more times than I can count over the last few years,” he said. “And I will say Q4 was OK. It wasn’t spectacular in any way. But as we started January in the new budget season, for all of our big corporate clients, we did notice a significant step up.”
Delta CEO Ed Bastian noted a similar corporate travel recovery during that airline’s earnings call in January.
“We are seeing continued improvement in the corporate sector,” Bastian said. “We had a number of laggards, tech being the largest, and we’re finally starting to see tech companies traveling again as a result of return to office, the consultancies as well. We are seeing it across the board. The auto and entertainment sectors have rebounded nicely following the strikes in the fourth quarter.”
