Kenya Airways announces new route, Nairobi to Gatwick direct flights beginning July 2025

9th December 2024, Nairobi– Starting 2nd July 2025, Kenya Airways (KQ) will begin operating direct flights to London’s Gatwick Airport from its hub at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Kenya Airways will now serve the United Kingdom (UK) through two entry points: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) with KQ Customers being able to choose a second nonstop flight into London.

The flights to Gatwick will operate at night out of Nairobi, 3 times a week specifically on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and will complement the existing London schedule increasing the London frequency to 10 weekly flights.

Commenting on the new route, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO said that it is part of KQ’s route expansion strategy and offers convenience for customers. He also hinted at the potential for further expansion, stating that ‘this is just the beginning of our expansion plans for the UK market ‘.

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

The flight schedule will operate as indicated below:

Flight NumberFrequencyDeparture Time (local time)Arrival Time (local time)Destination
KQ 108Wednesday,23:4506:55Gatwick (LGW)
KQ 108Friday & Sunday23:4006:50Gatwick (LGW)
KQ 109Monday12:1023:05Nairobi (NBO)
KQ 109Thursday11:0021:55Nairobi (NBO)
KQ 109Saturday12:2523:20Nairobi (NBO)

Located in West Sussex, England, Gatwick Airport is situated 47.5 kilometers south of Central London, making it a convenient gateway for travelers from the Southeast and South of England. Passengers traveling from Gatwick will enjoy seamless connections to Kenya Airways’ extensive network via its hub in Nairobi, ensuring a smooth and connected travel experience. Flights are open for booking on Kenya Airways’ website www.kenya-airways.com , travel agents as well as online travel agents (OTAs).

-ENDS-

About Kenya Airways:

Kenya Airways (KQ), The Pride of Africa, is a leading African carrier on a mission to propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets. We fly to 44 destinations worldwide, 36 of which are in Africa,

connecting over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 Tons of cargo annually through our Hub at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

As the sole African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance, we open up a world of possibilities for our customers, connecting them to over 1,060 destinations in 173 countries. We take pride in offering a delightful flying experience with a caring African touch. Our exceptional African hospitality has consistently earned us global recognition including the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards where we were honored with the Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa in 2024.

For more information, visit www.kenya-airways.com or call our 24-hour Customer Services Desk at +254 20 327 4747. We are also available on Twitter: @KenyaAirways & @KQSupport, Facebook: @OfficialKenyaAirways, and Instagram: @OfficialKenyaAirways.

For media enquiries, please contact Kenya Airways Corporate Communications: Corporate.communications@kenya-airways.com

Kenya Plans Underwater Shipwreck Museum in Kilifi

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The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is developing an underwater museum at Ras Ngomeni in Kilifi County. The museum will showcase shipwrecks along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, focusing on a 16th-century Portuguese vessel—Kenya’s oldest known shipwreck. Dr. Caesar Bita, head of coastal archaeology at NMK, will lead the project, which was initially envisioned twelve years ago after the discovery of the shipwreck.

Visitors will experience both above-water artefact displays and underwater tunnels providing direct access to submerged relics. The museum will also function as a research centre for the diverse marine life, including fish, turtles, and dolphins, inhabiting the shipwrecks.

Kenya’s coast has 33 documented shipwrecks: 22 in Mombasa, eight in Malindi, and three in Lamu. Guided tours with details about each wreck’s history will be provided, with underwater placards offering historical information. Some of the cargo found on these ships included ivory, cinnabar, and copper, remarkably preserved due to the conducive underwater environment.

The museum aims to establish itself as a unique tourist attraction complementing the country’s traditional safari offerings. The project’s designs were initially prepared with help from US architects in March 2012, making it the first museum of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, following Egypt’s underwater gallery near Sharm el-Sheikh.

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Source: Construction Kenya

Proposed VAT on air travel will affect all, not just the rich

KATA officials led by Chairman Dr Joseph Kithitu and CEO Nicanor Sabula presented a petition to the National Assembly Committee of Finance and Economic Planning on behalf of members of the Kenya Association of travel agents (KATA) at the ongoing public participation forum.

The petition called for the scrapping of the proposal to introduce VAT on air ticketing services supplied by Travel Agents. The petition termed the proposals as discriminatory and one that would disadvantage Kenyan agents, lead to loss of business competitiveness, closure of businesses and job losses.

The short-term gains from VAT collection would be far outweighed by long-term declines in overall tax revenues.

A recent newspaper report on a raft of proposals by the National Treasury to among others introduce taxes targeting the aviation sector rekindled the old-aged, misguided characterization of air travel as a “luxury service” enjoyed exclusively by the rich.

This is far from the truth and is misrepresentative of Kenya’s modern economy and the realities of its travel industry.

In the proposals, the National Treasury is seeking to introduce 16% VAT on a number of air travel related services such as air ticketing services by travel agents, hiring, chattering and leasing of aircrafts, aircraft navigation systems among others.

This adjustment, Treasury argues, is a necessary step towards expanding the tax base and ensuring that a wider array of services contributes to national revenue. While the government’s decision to provide tax relief on essentials such as bread and unga is widely welcomed, the suggestion that air travel taxes are a “raid” on the wealthy overlooks the widespread use and importance of air travel across socio-economic strata in Kenya.

Air Travel is a Growing Necessity, not a Luxury

Kenya’s air travel industry has grown rapidly in recent years, reflecting the country’s expanding middle class, the growth of domestic tourism, and the rise of affordable travel options.

Domestic airlines like Jambojet, Skyward and; Safarilink have made it possible for Kenyans from diverse income levels to travel domestically, whether for business, education, family obligations, or tourism.

For instance, it’s now common to find fares from Nairobi to Mombasa or Kisumu for as low as Sh5,000, making air travel an attractive alternative to long bus journeys, particularly in terms of safety and time saved.

Moreover, in some areas where road infrastructure is still developing, air travel remains the only practical choice of travel allowing people to traverse the country with ease and efficiency.

Granted, air travel in Kenya still remains expensive for the average Kenyan- however, to assume that those flying between cities such as Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Lodwar or Wajir are exclusively wealthy overlooks the reality that many travelers are professionals, small business owners, students, and even rural residents visiting family.

Impact of Proposed Taxes on Business Travel

Taxing air ticketing services is likely to impact Kenya’s small and medium-sized businesses, which rely on affordable domestic flights to expand their reach and access opportunities.

Many entrepreneurs and workers travel within Kenya to secure contracts, attend conferences, and network, all of which support economic growth and job creation.  If air ticket prices rise due to new taxes, it could limit access for these business travelers, ultimately affecting productivity and the economy.

Given that Kenya aims to position itself as a regional economic hub, affordable travel options are crucial. For many, air travel is no longer a luxury but a cost-effective solution to meet the demands of a rapidly modernizing economy.

Balancing Revenue with Accessibility

While the government has an obligation to explore all avenues for tax revenue, it’s essential that any changes in tax policy consider the broader implications on everyday Kenyans. Air transport, just like other modes of transportation is a public service consumed by mwananchi at a slightly higher price. It is for the same reason we don’t tax matatus or bus fares or even SGR fares.

Air travel may seem an unlikely target, but for a growing number of Kenyans, it’s a part of their livelihoods. Categorizing air travel as a “rich-only” service fails to recognise the real and growing need for accessible, affordable travel options.

The Treasury’s move to offer tax relief on basic household essentials is welcomed and will greatly benefit Kenya’s lower-income households. But as Kenya’s economy evolves, so too should our perspectives on “luxury” versus “necessity.”

Air travel is today increasingly becoming a basic part of the fabric of Kenyan life, with significant benefits to local economies, small businesses, and personal well-being. Thoughtful tax policy should reflect this reality, balancing the need for revenue with the right to affordable travel for all.

As Kenya looks to grow as a competitive and inclusive economy, it’s clear that air travel is more than a service for the wealthy. It’s a bridge across communities, regions, and economic divides, and any tax policy should reflect its role as an enabler of opportunity—not as a privilege of the elite.

Source:Financial Fortune

Solid Growth in Passenger Demand Continued in October

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

  • Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 7.1% compared to October 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 6.1% year-on-year. The October load factor was 83.9% (+0.8ppt compared to October 2023).
  • International demand rose 9.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 8.6% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 83.5% (+0.6ppt compared to October 2023).
  • Domestic demand rose 3.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 2.0% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5% (+1.2ppt compared to October 2023).

“Continued strong and stable demand is good news, but just as important is the steady improvement in load factors. It shows what a great job the industry is doing in flying people more efficiently.

Average seat factors have risen from around 67% in the 1990’s to over 83% today. Politicians thinking of trying to tax passengers off planes to reduce emissions would do well to note this. Even if fewer people fly because taxes make it too expensive, it doesn’t automatically mean reduced emissions because the planes will still fly, just with fewer passengers. That would reverse decades hard won progress. We need to see the planes full to generate the economic and social benefits of travel with the most minimal emissions possible,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Air Passenger Market in Detail

October 2024 (% year-on-year)World Share​1RPKASKPLF(%-PT)​2PLF(Level)​3
Total Market100%7.1%6.1%+0.8%83.9%
Africa2.1%9.3%5.2%+2.8%73.8%
Asia Pacific31.7%12.7%9.7%+2.2%84.1%
Europe27.1%7.9%6.5%+1.1%86.2%
Latin America5.5%7.0%7.5%-0.4%84.5%
Middle East9.4%2.5%2.7%-0.1%80.3%
North America24.2%0.3%1.6%-1.1%83.2%

1) % of industry RPKs in 2023    2) Year-on-year change in load factor    3) Load Factor Level

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in October 2024 compared to October 2023. Europe had the highest load factors, and Africa showed a sharp increase, but the Americas and the Middle East suffered falls.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 17.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 17.2% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.9% (+0.3ppt compared to October 2023).

European carriers had an 8.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.7% (+1.1ppt compared to October 2023).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.5% year-on-year and the load factor was 80.2% (-0.2ppt compared to October 2023).

North American carriers saw a 3.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.2% (+0.3ppt compared to October 2023).

Latin American airlines saw a 10.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 11.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.3% (-0.6ppt compared to October 2023).

African airlines saw a 10.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 73.2% (+3.4ppt compared to October 2023).

Domestic Passenger Markets

The US showed a surprise slight decline, while all other key domestic markets showed stable growth. Fast-growing Chinese domestic demand is being met with increased use of wide-body aircraft.

October 2024 (% year-on-year)World Share​1RPKASKPLF(%-PT)​2PLF(LEVEL)​3
Domestic39.9%3.5%2.0%+1.2%84.5%
Domestic Australia0.8%2.9%-0.5%+2.8%86.2%
Domestic Brazil1.2%9.5%7.8%+1.3%83.7%
Domestic China P.R.11.2%9.7%2.2%+5.9%86.2%
Domestic India1.8%6.1%9.6%-2.7%81.7%
Domestic Japan1.1%3.3%-0.2%+2.9%84.0%
Domestic US15.4%-1.2%0.8%-1.7%82.5%

1) % of industry RPKs in 2023    2) year-on-year change in load factor    3) Load Factor Level 

Note: the six domestic passenger markets for which broken-down data are available account for approximately 31.4% of global total RPKs and 78.8% of total domestic RPKs.

> View the October Air Passenger Market Analysis (pdf)

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org

Notes for Editors:

  • Statistics compiled by IATA Economics using direct airline reporting complemented by estimates, including the use of FlightRadar24 data provided under license.
  • All figures are provisional and represent total reporting at time of publication plus estimates for missing data. Historic figures are subject to revision.
  • Domestic RPKs accounted for about 41.9% of the total market in 2022. The six domestic markets in this report account for 31.3% of global RPKs.
  • Explanation of measurement terms:

– RPK: Revenue Passenger Kilometers measures actual passenger traffic

– ASK: Available Seat Kilometers measures available passenger capacity

– PLF: Passenger Load Factor is % of ASKs used.

  • IATA statistics cover international and domestic scheduled air traffic for IATA member and non-member airlines.
  • Total passenger traffic market shares by region of carriers for 2023 in terms of RPK are: Asia-Pacific 31.7%, Europe 27.1%, North America 24.2%, Middle East 9.4%, Latin America 5.5%, and Africa 2.1%.

Source: IATA

Dubai Is Known for Luxury Travel — Now it Wants to Focus on ‘Real Culture’

Dubai boasts of the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest mall, and the only “unofficial” seven-star hotel. Four decades after embracing tourism, Dubai wants to hone in on the “real” aspects of the city and its hidden gems.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism, said Wednesday at the Skift Global Forum 2024 that the city will rely less on its famous landmarks and celebrity campaigns, in favor of a more authentic tourism experience.

“I think initially Dubai started off… we needed to create enough noise to get attention, we needed landmark projects, 7-star hotels, islands. It did a great job to get people into the city, but it started to make people feel Dubai was just about new buildings and high-end luxury,” said Kazim.

“We might have missed out on talking about our people. Only when we had that dialogue, did we realize these gems are standing out. If we shed light on the people, Dubai is a different proposition and gets a soul.”

“People used to say Dubai was beautiful but lacked a soul. The city now is speaking to people, we’ve seen that post-Covid. We generated ‘warm’ momentum and people were focusing on Dubai for all the right reasons.”

Authenticity Over Star Power

For years, Dubai has been known for using celebrities in large tourism campaigns. In 2022, Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan was featured in a promotional video for the city, while the year before Zac Effron and Jessica Alba did the same.

This may appear as nothing more than using celebrities for “star power” but Kazim says the emirate is prioritizing “authentic” celebrity partnerships.

He said: “At this point, it has changed quite a bit, we have a lot of celebrities visit Dubai, so we’re not relying on them the same way we did in the past. If celebrities can genuinely show an organic experience… we do not seek celebrities who have not been to Dubai. We work with celebrities who genuinely love Dubai and visit frequently.”

Using Real People

To show the ‘real’ Dubai, Kazim and his team are working to highlight the city’s hidden gems and real people.

“We have an arts and culture scene, celebrating the variety in the country. A lot of people knew about the skyscrapers, but not the cultural districts. These cultural neighborhoods were lesser known but they can be enjoyed at lower budgets.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve leveraged celebrities and influences to bring attention to what’s happening in Dubai. Now we’re shifting from that and using real people and real families to talk about why Dubai is home for them.”

“Breaking down barriers is key, to changing perceptions. Even though Dubai is known for luxury, we’re changing that, Dubai can offer affordable luxury.”

Source: Skift

Over 100 Ugandans in Kenya to sample Coast tourism products

In Summary

  • The Ugandans will be touring the Coast with key attraction sites in Kilifi, Kwale and  Mombasa counties.
  • They will also be sampling the culture and cuisine of the communities.

Ugandan tourism stakeholders at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa on Wednesday

A group of more than 100 Ugandan tourism stakeholders are at the Kenyan Coast to sample the region’s tourism products in bid to strengthen the tourism relationship.

The Ugandans arrived at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa on Wednesday and will be at the Coast for a week.

“We are here to showcase to our brothers and sisters what the Kenyan Coast has to offer,” Mombasa Tourism Council chairman Sam Ikwaye said at the airport.

The Ugandans will be touring the Coast with key attraction sites in Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties.

They will also be sampling the culture and cuisine of the communities.

“We will then be able to sell this destination as one,” Ikwaye said.

This is part of the collaboration between Kenya and Uganda that has been forged to boost both countries’ tourism industry.

They are collaborating to sell the destinations as one big entity where visitors to the East African region can be treated to the sites and sounds of both countries as a package.

This comes after a delegation of over 70 Kenyan tourism stakeholders visited Uganda last week for Kenya-Uganda conference and to sample the product in Uganda.

“This is a continuation of the Kenya-Uganda conference that was hosted in Uganda last week. We are here to continue the cooperation and complementarity,” Ikwaye said.

Uganda Hotel Owners Association CEO Jean Byamugisha said the collaboration will boost both countries’ tourism industries and in the process create jobs for youth and enhance foreign exchange earnings.

Last week, the association hosted the Kenya Travel Trade in Uganda for 10 days where Kenyan tour operators, hotel owners, hotel keepers and other tourism industry players attended.

“Kenya is our biggest source market, so we are trying to see how we can be able to firm up the partnership, coordination and cooperation between the two countries especially in the tourism industry,” Byamugisha said.

 “We coined a phrase ‘From the Bush to the Beach’, so we want a guest who comes to East Africa to come to the Bush in Uganda to see the gorillas and then to Mombasa and go to the beach,” Byagumisha said.

“I am proud that I am Ugandan and I am in Mombasa and have not used my passport but my national ID to come here,” she said.

Ikwaye said apart from tourism stakeholders, businessmen will also be engaged during the Ugandans’ stay at the Coast to help create networks and boost their own businesses.

“We have engaged the businesspeople, the county governments and particularly key marketing agencies, including  Kenya Tourism Board, to see how we can put together packages and how we can enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Ikwaye said the visit of the Ugandans is a great boost to Mombasa because the Mombasa Tourism Council has been looking at how to diversify and sustain their business offering.

“We are looking at how to grow regional and domestic business and this partnership and cooperation between Kenya Coast and Uganda serves that particular purpose. We are hoping that the council can ride on this partnership so we can offer new experiences for visitors.”

Source: The-Star

Travelport Launches NDC Content and Servicing for Emirates on Travelport+

LANGLEY UK, June 25, 2024 –Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, and Emirates, one of the world’s largest international airlines, today announced that New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from Emirates and enhanced NDC servicing capabilities are now available in the Travelport+ platform.  

With this launch, Travelport’s agency customers will be able to easily view and compare more dynamic NDC offers and ancillaries from Emirates and create a more streamlined, personalized experience for travelers. Travelport’s complete NDC solution for Emirates also provides agents the ability to service NDC bookings, which includes modifications and cancellations.  

“Agencies using Travelport+ will now have access to better, more enriched content that is only available via the Emirates NDC channel,” saidAdnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates. “The integration of our systems will strengthen the expansion of our reach across the global travel retail community and allow them to offer travelers more choice among our best-in-class products and services.” 

“We are leading the way in delivering Emirates’ NDC content to travel retailers and giving agents the ability to compare and book the best offers and ancillaries available from Emirates on Travelport+,” said Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport. “This pivotal NDC milestone with Emirates proves Travelport is at the forefront of modern retailing with our ability to provide the best content and cutting-edge tools that agents require to create superior booking and servicing experiences for their customers.” 

Travelport’s NDC content and servicing solution for Emirates has first become available to all agency customers located in Australia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Access to Emirates NDC solution in Travelport+ will expand to agency customers located in additional countries in the coming weeks. 

Source: Travelport

Air France-KLM signs a codeshare agreement with Airlink to Expand Travel Options Across Southern Africa

Air France–KLM today announces the launch of a new codeshare agreement with South African carrier Airlink (4Z), effective 3 December 2024. 

This commercial partnership will enhance connectivity for travellers, offering Air France and KLM customers access to an extensive range of destinations in the Southern Africa region via Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT) airports. At this stage, the codeshare agreement is active on 14 Airlink domestic destinations in South Africa. 

Air France-KLM and Airlink plan to expand it in the future, with additional destinations to come in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, St Helena, Zambia and Zimbabwe (expansion subject to approval by the relevant authorities).

Air France and KLM currently operate up to 14 weekly flights to Johannesburg and 14 weekly flights to Cape Town on departure from their respective hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

Under this agreement, members of Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France-KLM will be able to earn miles on Air France and KLM-marketed flights operated by Airlink.

“This codeshare agreement is a significant milestone for Air France-KLM in Southern Africa. It reflects our commitment to offering seamless travel experiences and expanding our reach to connect customers to key destinations in South Africa,” Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM says. “Together with Airlink, we are unlocking new opportunities for travellers while strengthening our presence in this vital market.”

“Our long-standing commercial interline arrangement with Air France-KLM has created a solid foundation on which to build a more committed relationship with this codeshare. It is a crucial relationship as both Air France and KLM provide extensive reach into many of Airlink’s key source markets in Europe and beyond.  Importantly, they both operate direct services to Airlink’s Johannesburg and Cape Town hubs”, adds Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink.

With plans to expand the number of codeshare routes in the near future, Air France-KLM and Airlink are committed to offering unparalleled travel options to both leisure and business travellers.

Source: Tourism News Africa

Airlink expands Nairobi service with additional night flights

South African regional airline Airlink is set to increase flights to Nairobi in Kenya. The airline will add three weekly night flights to its service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi from 30 March 2025.

The extra flights provide greater choices travellers flying between the two cities and bolster Airlink’s daily service which it launched last year, when it became the first private sector airline to compete on the route.

Airlink’s 98-seat Embraer E190 jetliners will operate the additional flights on these days and at these times:

Source: TravelComments.com Official Blog

Kenya Airways Renews Codeshare Agreement with China Eastern Airlines

Kenya Airways (KQ) and China Eastern Airlines (MU) have reinforced their longstanding collaboration with the renewal of their codeshare agreement, a strategic move aimed at enhancing travel between Africa and China. This revitalized partnership promises to offer passengers greater flexibility and access to an expanded network of destinations, making international travel smoother and more efficient.

A Wider World of Travel Options for Passengers

The renewed agreement significantly expands the range of destinations available to travelers. Kenya Airways passengers now have seamless access to key cities in China, including Shanghai, Kunming, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, all serviced by China Eastern Airlines. Meanwhile, China Eastern Airlines customers will be able to effortlessly connect through Nairobi to major African hubs, such as Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Maputo, and Mauritius. This partnership not only opens up a broader spectrum of travel options but also strengthens the links between Africa and China, making it easier for both business and leisure travelers to explore new regions.

Booking a codeshare flight is simple—travelers can choose their flight time and destination on either airline’s website or through a travel agency, and they will receive a unified ticket with a streamlined baggage policy. This integrated service ensures a hassle-free and seamless journey, with no need for additional check-ins or ticketing hassles.

Strengthening the Ties Between Africa and China

This renewed codeshare agreement comes at a time of increasing collaboration between Africa and China, driven by strong trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. As part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other initiatives to boost infrastructure and economic ties, this partnership plays a crucial role in fostering deeper connections between the two regions.

The expanded air network supports the growing demand for travel between Africa and China, offering convenient flight connections that facilitate business exchanges, investments, and tourism. This partnership allows both regions to bridge the gap, making it easier for business leaders, entrepreneurs, tourists, and students to travel across continents.

Exclusive Rewards for Frequent Flyers

As part of the renewed agreement, frequent flyers stand to gain even more benefits. Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards members can now accrue loyalty points when traveling on China Eastern Airlines-operated flights, further enhancing the value of their miles and rewarding them with exclusive offers. Members of both airlines’ loyalty programs also benefit from the perks of being part of the SkyTeam Alliance, such as priority check-in, access to lounges, and additional travel privileges, ensuring a premium experience for frequent travelers.

A Future-Focused Partnership for a Connected World

By renewing this codeshare agreement, Kenya Airways and China Eastern Airlines are not only enhancing the convenience and choice for travelers but are also supporting the broader economic goals of Africa and China. The partnership aligns with the growing demand for greater connectivity between these two dynamic regions, particularly as trade, tourism, and cultural ties continue to flourish.

Looking ahead, this collaboration will continue to evolve, bringing even more travel options, rewards, and opportunities for passengers. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or cultural exchange, the renewed partnership between Kenya Airways and China Eastern Airlines is set to offer an exceptional and seamless travel experience that meets the needs of modern travelers.

Source: Travel and Tour World