Uganda Airlines reopens landmark route to London

Uganda Airlines is to launch a ground-breaking direct flight between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion by re-establishing a route not directly accessible for almost a decade. Uganda Airlines’ first European line will cut the time to arrive in either destination to almost half what it was prior. The inaugural flight is set to take off May 18 2025, with tickets now available via the Uganda Airlines app.

Uganda Airlines’ ‘first foray into Europe’

The announcement came March 20 at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala by a contingent of Ugandan and British officials. Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Baratumaki emphasised the importance of trade, tourism, and interconnectivity to the newly-revived airline, stating “The direct flights will offer unparalleld convenience for travelers, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between the two nations.” As UK airport traffic reaches all-time highs, Uganda Airlines hopes to increase ease of transport for the near 150,000 citizens living in the UK. This comes some months after the airline issued a statement committing the airline to IATA safety audits, fleet expansion, and regulatory approvals in preparation for the establishment of the direct line with London Gatwick.

Baratumaki added:

“Because of the potential they unlock, these air bridges are essential planks in the Ugandan National Development Plan and Uganda’s Vision 2040 strategy. Besides shortening travel times for our passengers, this route also provides a more efficient route of exporters of fresh products to the United Kingdom.”

Uganda’s national development goals

In 2023 (link), trade between the UK and Uganda reached at $556 million.  The speed and ease at which Ugandan goods such as coffee, bananas, tea, and minerals, can enter the UK market duty and quota free was a noted cause for excitement for the UK delegation. Additionally, Edward Katumba Walama, Ugandan Minister of Works and Transport, says this has been a long-requested route for produce traders.

“For some time, the people trading in fresh flowers have been knocking on our door, asking for direct flights to Europe. At least now, you can take your fresh flowers to london. The flower growers now know how to export their products to London”.

Furthermore, Minister Walama paid special tribute to former UK High Commisioner Ms. Katie Airey and Ugandan-born House of Lords member Lord Poppat for their crucial advocation for Uganda Airlines’ entry to the British market.

The service will utilise Uganda Airlines’ efficient fleet of Airbus A330-800neo, offering 257 spaces across a variety of seating options.

This route symbolises the growing scope and opportunity of Uganda Airlines as it celebrates its fifth anniversary. With ongoing talks with Boeing for freighters and more long-haul flights beyond Africa, the airline is poised to soar even higher and connect Uganda to the world like never before.

Source : Travel Radar

IATA creates new body to run SAF Registry initiative

Airline association IATA is creating a new organisation to manage its SAF Registry, which aims to offer a “standardised and transparent way” to account for the use of alternative aviation fuels.

IATA said that the establishment of the Civil Aviation Decarbonisation Organisation (CADO) would “turbo-charge the imminent launch” of the SAF Registry, which will track the emissions reductions from the use of what the airline industry calls “sustainable” aviation fuel (SAF).

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, added: “The SAF Registry is a critical piece of market infrastructure that is indispensable in building a global, transparent and liquid global market for SAF.

“The industry’s commitment to build the registry and establish CADO to manage it should inspire governments, fossil fuel producers and investors to engage in the SAF market with commensurate vigour.”

Walsh said that “ramping up” the production of alternative fuels was the “common goal” and the formation of CADO was “an important step in moving decarbonisation forward”.

One of the key roles of the registry will be to allow airlines and corporate customers to track the environmental benefits of using alternative fuels. This will enable them to claim emission reductions “against regulatory obligations and voluntary schemes”, including Scope 3 emissions from business travel.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president sustainability and chief economist, added that CADO would be a “separate entity from IATA with an open and global approach that supports the scrutiny needed to build trust among all stakeholders”.

“In fact, the door is open for any stakeholder in the SAF value chain, including governments, to join CADO. This inclusive approach should also be a force for the harmonisation of the principles on which all SAF registries operate,” said Thomsen.After launch, participation in the SAF Registry will initially be free until April 2027, after which IATA said it would be operated on a “cost recovery basis”.

IATA last week announced an enhancement to its CO2 Connect emissions calculator to account for the increased use of alternative aviation fuels by carriers.

Source : BTN Europe

Kenya Airways posts Ksh.5.4 billion full-year profit

National carrier Kenya Airways has posted a full-year profit of Ksh.5.4 billion for the year 2024.This profit marks a dramatic recovery from the previous year when the airline made a loss of over Ksh.22 billion.  The airline last posted a full-year profit over ten years ago.The jump in profitability was on account of forex gains coupled with an increase in total revenues.

“I think under the circumstances what we have achieved, what the team has achieved is fantastic and I hope that in your newspapers in your columns in your editorials that you’ll reflect that to your readers,” said Kenya Airways Chairperson Michael Joseph.

 A key driver of KQ’s performance was the strengthening of the shilling, resulting in forex gains of Ksh.10.5 billion, a sharp turnaround from the Ksh.15 billion forex loss recorded in 2023 at the height of the shilling’s depreciation.

The airline’s operating profit rose to Ksh.16.6 billion up from Ksh.10.5 billion in 2023. Total revenue increased by 6 per cent to Ksh.188.4 billion from Ksh.178.4 in 2023.

This is because, KQ ferried Ksh.5.2 million passengers, up from Ksh.5 million in 2023, thanks to the addition of three new destinations including Mogadishu, Eldoret, and Maputo.

Cargo operations also saw significant growth, with volumes rising by 25% from about 56,000 tonnes to over 70,000, following the acquisition of two additional cargo aircraft.

Despite the improved performance, the airline remains in a negative equity position, reflecting the impact of its past losses.

“Obviously at this stage, we will not be able to pay dividends, we still have negative equity, so all the money we have to reinvest in the business for growth so that the airline can have a sustainable performance going forward,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group CEO, Kenya Airways.

To better position itself for growth the airline now wants the government to improve airport infrastructure at JKIA.

“We need to find a way to improve the airport facilities to grow the airport facilities because if you look at the numbers that Allan is projecting, just alone for Kenya Airways we will be hard-pressed to handle these passenger numbers in the current capacity of this airport.”

“Many people have complained about them, we need some attention paid to them. Anytime there’s some rain, it leaks and everybody throws stones at everybody else, but we don’t get it fixed on a long-term basis. So a lot of effort needs to be given to get the airport in a better state than it is now.”

Source : Citizen Digital

ASKY expands its fleet with a new Boeing 737 MAX 8, enhancing passenger comfort, sustainability and fuel efficiency

As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and rejuvenate its fleet, Pan-African airline ASKY is proud to announce the arrival of a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as ET-BBB, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

According to a press release by the ASKY Management, this next-generation aircraft, fresh from the factory, offers a seating capacity of 8 passengers in Business Class and 177 in Economy Class. It replaces the Boeing 737-700 NG, registered as ET-ANH, which retired from the ASKY fleet after 15 years of dedicated service.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 sets a new standard in fuel efficiency, significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Its advanced engine design also minimizes cabin noise, ensuring enhanced comfort and a superior travel experience. The reduced noise footprint aligns with ASKY’s commitment to lowering environmental impact on local communities while providing a serene atmosphere onboard.

ASKY, The Pan-African Airline, is a 100% privately owned airline created by regional banking institutions in Africa that includes The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and ECOBANK
Group (ETI) in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

ASKY is a commercial company under private law and is managed by experienced African aviation professionals, with Ethiopian airlines as its strategic partner.


ASKY currently operates a fleet of fourteen (14) aircraft, including nine (09) Boeing 737-800s and five (5) Boeing 737 MAX 8s, serving twenty-nine (29) cities across twenty-seven (27) African countries.

Travel industry players at KTRIPS 2025 call for policies to strengthen payment systems

Key players in the travel and fintech sectors have urged regulatory bodies including the Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya Revenue Authority, and Competition Authority of Kenya to refine policies to provide a secure and inclusive digital payment ecosystem.

Speaking at the Kenya Travel Industry Payment Summit (KTRIPS) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (Kata) chief executive Nicanor Sabula emphasised the growing role of digital payments in the travel industry.

“Payment systems are no longer just about processing transactions; they have become integral to enhancing customer experiences, driving business growth, and ensuring security in an increasingly digital landscape,” he said.

He said KTRIPS 2025 builds on the success of its inaugural edition by focusing on practical steps to adopt smart payment technologies across the industry. According to the International Air Transport Association, Kenya accounted for 2.67 per cent of total Middle East and Africa air travel sales in 2024, generating $566.8 million (Sh73 billion) in gross ticket sales, a 2.11 per cent increase from the previous year.

This translates to millions of digital transactions annually, underscoring the need for secure and efficient payment systems. CBK deputy director of Digital Payment Services Division Juanita Omanga, representing CBK governor Kamau Thugge, noted Kenya’s global leadership in digital payments.

“Kenya has been at the forefront of this shift, with mobile money services enhancing financial inclusion and simplifying payments. “Digital innovations like QR payments, buy-now-pay-later options, and real-time cross-border payments are reshaping the travel experience,” she said.

However, Omanga also acknowledged persistent challenges, including digital fraud and phishing scams, cross-border payment delays and regulatory gaps in emerging payment technologies.

Despite these hurdles, she remained optimistic, emphasising the need for continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and a strong regulatory framework to build a secure, efficient, and inclusive payment ecosystem. As Kenya’s travel industry continues to grow, stakeholders are urging stronger collaboration between fintech firms, travel companies, and regulators to enhance security and compliance in digital payments.

They are also advocating for the wider adoption of smart payment technologies, including blockchain, AI-driven fraud detection, and biometric authentication, to improve efficiency and security.

Source : standardmedia.co.ke

Kenya Airways’ Gatwick service to start in July

Kenya Airways will launch flights between Gatwick and Nairobi from the start of July.

The thrice-weekly evening service to and from the south London airport will complement the carrier’s existing flights from Heathrow.

Flight KQ108 will depart Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday at 2345, and Friday and Sunday at 2340, arriving into Gatwick at 0655 and 0650 the following day respectively.

The return leg KQ109 will depart Gatwick on Monday at 1210, Thursday at 1100, and Saturday at 1225, arriving into Nairobi at 2305, 2155 and 2320 respectively.

The group’s managing director and CEO Allan Kilavuka said that the new route was “just the beginning of our expansion plans for the UK market”.

“The United Kingdom is essential and strategic for Kenya Airways and Kenya, said Kilavuka.

“It provides a gateway for trade, tourism, education, business, leisure travel, and diaspora connections. We are excited to add Gatwick Airport to our expansive network as it means that KQ guests now have more options in and out of the UK and a convenient schedule that suits their travel preferences.”

Kenya Airways currently operates daily flights between Nairobi and Heathrow – it has previously operated a double daily service to the airport, and indeed in 2023 it was reported that the carrier was returning to two flights per day.

Back in 2016 Kenya Airways sold its Heathrow for a reported record sum of $75 million to Oman Air, meaning it now leases slots from other carriers for its Heathrow service.

Last year the carrier established a codeshare agreement with fellow SkyTeam member Virgin Atlantic, enabling Kenya Airways customers to connect via Heathrow onto a number of Caribbean destinations served by Virgin Atlantic including Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Source : Business Traveller

An Understanding of the Causes of Flight Delays

Around the world, passengers frequently become frustrated by flight delays. Even though airlines work hard to keep their schedules on time, several things can interfere with flight operations.

Here is the list of reasons for flight delays:

  1. Poor Weather

One of the main reasons for flight delays is weather. Unfavorable meteorological circumstances, such as hurricanes, strong winds, fog, heavy snow, or thunderstorms, can make it dangerous for aeroplanes to take off or land. For instance, heavy crosswinds can make landing challenging, and dense fog can impair pilot visibility. In severe situations, whole airports can close, causing numerous delays and cancellations.

  • Congestion in Air Traffic

Airspace and airports are frequently congested, especially in large cities and during the busiest travel times. When air traffic is heavy, Aircraft may have to fly around a circle before landing or takeoff, which could cause flight delays. According to a Eurocontrol study in 2023, the average flight delay was 17.5 minutes.

  • Technical and Mechanical Problems

Airlines prioritise passenger safety, thus even minor technical problems could result in delays. Aircraft undergo routine maintenance inspections before takeoff, and any issues discovered must be resolved before the aircraft is authorised for flight.

Flight delays may result from a shortage of air traffic controllers, pilots, flight attendants, or ground staff. The number of hours a pilot or crew member may work is limited by severe labor standards that apply to airlines. If a crew member has worked more hours than allowed by law due to previous delays, they may need to be replaced before the flight can proceed. Strikes by airport or airline employees can also interfere with operations and result in major flight delays.

  • Security Concerns

Increased security can cause delays in flights, particularly at international airports. Security concerns may lead to additional screenings, baggage checks, or even last-minute passenger expulsion. If a security threat is found, several flights may temporarily cease operations.

What do you think is the main reason for flight delays? Let us know in the comment section!

Source : Travel Radar

When will Heathrow airport reopen? Everything we know so far about the Hayes fire and travel chaos

Up to 300,000 customers were set to fly through Europe’s busiest and largest airport on Friday

Thousands of passengers are facing delays and cancellations after a massive fire ripped through an electricity substation near Heathrow Airport.

Up to 300,000 customers were set to fly through Europe’s biggest airport on Friday, with around 1,351 flights affected by the mysterious blaze.

Ten fire engines rushed to Nestles Avenue, Hayes, a suburban street around five miles north of the airport, where 70 firefighters tackled the inferno throughout the night from 12am, London Fire Brigade said.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said London Heathrow and 16,300 homes in Hayes and Hounslow were hit by a widespread power cut due to the fire.

Around 150 residents were evacuated from nearby properties and a 200-metre cordon was put in place around the substation, police said. It is unclear what caused the fire.

What caused the fire?

The London Fire Brigade said it was investigating the cause of the blaze, which is currently unknown and was reported around midnight.

Footage showed the fire ripping through a Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks-managed substation throughout the night, as dozens of firefighters rushed to extinguish it.

Energy minister Ed Miliband told LBC Radio there was no suggestion that there was foul play.

He also told BBC: “It’s obviously an unprecedented event, but we will want to understand both the causes of this event and what lessons, if any, it can teach us.”

Also Read : What you need to know about Kenya’s Leading Travel Industry Payment Summit

 

What is the economic impact?

Air transport consultant John Strickland said Heathrow’s closure will cost the aviation industry millions of pounds.

“It will run into millions. You can’t quantify it yet. Heathrow has normally about 200,000 passengers a day, so it’s a massive impact in lost revenues and disruption costs,” he said.

British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG)’s share price had plunged four per cent – equivalent to losing more than half a billion pounds in market capitalisation by 8.30am GMT.

How many passengers have been affected?

London Heathrow said it would be closed until midnight on Friday to “maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues”.

Up to 291,000 passengers were set to fly from Heathrow Airport on Friday, with 1,330 flights scheduled throughout the day, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Up to 665 departures were scheduled, equating to over 145,094 seats, and 669 flights were due to arrive, equating to 145,836 seats.

According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, Australian carrier Qantas Airways sent its flight from Perth to Paris, and a United Airlines New York flight was instead heading to Shannon, Ireland.

EasyJet said it was putting larger aircraft on key routes today and over the weekend to provide additional seats to help customers affected by the Heathrow closure travel today.

Ryanair has also put on extra flights from Dublin to London Stansted “to rescue passengers affected by today’s Heathrow closure”.

When will Heathrow reopen?

Passengers have been asked not to travel to the airport “under any circumstances”, while British Airways said it would not be operating flights out of its global hub “until further notice”.

It is unclear when the airport will reopen. A spokesperson said: “Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage.

“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow Airport will be closed until midnight on 21 March.

“Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

Source : Independent

Airlink introduce more Nairobi and Lusaka flights this month

Southern Africa’s premier regional carrier, Airlink, will increase services to Nairobi and Lusaka with additional flights from 30 March 2025.

Three weekly night-time return flights will operate between Johannesburg and Nairobi, while additional flights will be provided in the morning and the afternoon, to Lusaka.

“The additional Nairobi and Lusaka flights are scheduled to provide business and leisure travellers with greater choices and convenient connections, through Airlink’s Johannesburg hub, with our other domestic and regional services as well as long-haul flights provided by our global airline partners,” said Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO and Managing Director.

NAIROBI FLIGHTS

These new flights augment Airlink’s daily service, launched in 2023 when the airline became the first private-sector carrier to compete on the route.

Flight    Weekday            Departure Time               Arrival Time

4Z 070 Daily                   JNB 09.40                         NBO 14.40

4Z 071 Daily                   NBO 15.30                       JNB 18.40

* 4Z 072 Wed, Fri, Sun   JNB 20.30                         NBO 01.30+

* 4Z 073 Mon, Thu, Sat NBO 02.15                       JNB 05.25

*From 30 March 2025 (+ Next/Following morning)

Times of departure and arrival are local times in the respective destinations.

Also Read : What you need to know about Kenya’s Leading Travel Industry Payment Summit

LUSAKA FLIGHTS

Airlink will also add morning and afternoon flights to its popular Johannesburg-Lusaka service, increasing the schedule from 13 to 21 return flights a week.

Flight    Weekday            Departure Time               Arrival Time

4Z 162 Daily                   JNB 11.30                        LUN 13.30

4Z 163 Daily                   LUN 14.15                       JNB 16.30

Flight 4Z 164 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun     JNB 17.00 LUN 19.00

Flight 4Z 161 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat      LUN 07.30 JNB 09.35

New services on this route will include:

**4Z 168 Fri, Sun                                       JNB 14.30               LUN 16.30

**4Z 169 Fri, Sun                                       LUN 17.10               JNB 19.15

***4Z 166 Mon. Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat JNB 07.45 LUN 09.45

***4Z 167 Mon. Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat LUN 10.25 JNB 12.30

Source : sustainabilityinthesky.com

KTRIPS 2025: Unveiling Next-Gen Travel Payment Solutions: Smart, Secure, and Seamless

The travel industry in Kenya is on an upward trajectory and as a result the travel payments landscape is taking shape. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that in 2024, Kenya contributed 2.67% of the total Middle East and Africa sales, with gross ticket sales of $ 566.8 million, reflecting a 2.11% growth ($11.7 million increase). This translates to over Ksh. 73 billion, which places the industry as a key contributor to the national economy. Beyond the numbers, this growth also implies millions, if not billions, of payment transactions within the industry annually.

KATA Chairman, Dr. Joseph Kithitu, underscores the fundamental role of payments in commerce. At the inaugural Kenya Travel Industry Payment Summit (KTRIPS), he noted, “For any business transaction to be complete, someone has to pay the other.“. His simple yet powerful statement highlights why understanding and adapting to modern payment solutions is essential for the industry’s continued success. The 2024 event convened stakeholders including travel industry leaders, financial institutions, technology providers, and regulatory experts in the travel industry focused on one objective – Exploring the Kenyan Travel Industry Payments Landscape.

The payment system in the travel industry has evolved immensely and now we are in a digital era that prioritizes convenience and security of travelers as they make payments. At this point, it is only prudent to acknowledge that tech-based payment solutions are at the forefront of this quest. The convergence of technology and traditional payment methods has bred cutting-edge solutions for the industry.The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) led by the CEO Nicanor Sabula, the board and a secretariat of forward-thinking individuals, remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring members stay ahead of industry shifts. The association actively advocates for the rapid adoption of emerging payment solutions, reinforcing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. Dr. Kithitu’s message to over 300 KATA members is clear “If we do not keep learning, we will extinguish hence we should not be any lesser.”

This philosophy is what drives the association to host the two-day yearly payment summit to allow solution providers to present these solutions to the target audience directly for efficient use, better customer service, and ultimately business growth. The 2024 summit featured partnerships with leading organizations such as Absa Group, DPO Pay by Network, We Travel, Brij, Union Pay International, Buupass, Intasend, BitKE, and Paystack. Travel agents in attendance gained valuable insights and access to cutting-edge payment solutions, further streamlining their operations and enhancing their customer service.

As the industry gears up for KTRIPS 2025, expectations are high. KATA remains dedicated to fostering a conducive business environment for its members by keeping them informed about the latest developments in payment solutions. The Kenya Travel Industry Payments Summit (KTRIPS 2025) is set to redefine the travel payments landscape on March 26th and 27th at PrideInn Azure, Westlands, Nairobi. With the theme “Unveiling Next-Gen Travel Payment Solutions: Smart, Secure, and Seamless,” the summit will bring together top fintech leaders, payment experts, and travel industry stakeholders to explore groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of digital transactions.

The Event brings together a powerful lineup of industry experts, fintech leaders, and travel payment innovators who are shaping the future of financial transactions in travel. From global payment giants like Visa, DPO Pay by Network ,Flocash,and Pesapay to regulatory authorities such as the Central Bank of Kenya, these speakers will provide critical insights into digital payment innovations, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI-driven automation, and compliance strategies. Attendees will hear from visionaries like Raman Arora (Visa), Ali Hussein Kassim (Association of Fintechs in Kenya), and Sirak Mussie (Flocash), alongside travel payment disruptors like Peter Wachira (Triply) , Christine Kitale (Pesaswap) and others. With expertise spanning B2B payments, financial regulation, and digital commerce, these thought leaders will equip travel businesses with the knowledge to adopt smarter, more secure, and seamless financial solutions.