Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) plans to invest in mid-life fleet upgrades and fuel-efficiency retrofits while expanding its cargo operations following a financial turnaround in the 2024 financial year, according to acting chief financial officer Mary Mwenga.

Rather than chase expensive fleet renewals, Kenya Airways is opting for fiscal prudence, she explained in an interview with Nairobi-based business news provider Soko Directory. It will also be looking for more flexible lease terms that align with seasonal demand.

“It’s about matching capacity to market reality,” she said. “We’ve become very deliberate in how we structure our operations – the goal is agility without overexposure.”

According to the ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Aircraft Data module, the operating leases of at least four of Kenya Airways’ fleet of nine leased B737-800s are ending in 2026, three more in 2027, one in 2028, and one in 2030. In its widebody fleet, three of its nine B787-8s are leased, with the contracts of two expiring in 2027.

Currently, four of the airline’s Boeing aircraft remain in maintenance, three B787-8s and one B737. The airline has blamed a shortage of maintenance slots and supply chain shortages affecting the availability of engines and spare parts.

The regional fleet of E190s is being phased out, with nine of the 15 of them AOG at present.

Positive shift

The national carrier posted an after-tax profit of KES5.4 billion shillings (USD41.8 million) in the 2024 fiscal year, reversing a loss of KES22.6 billion (USD175 million) the year before. The profit marks a 124% improvement and signals a shift driven by its multi-year restructuring plan, labelled Project Kifaru.

The airline saw total revenue grow 6% to KES188 billion (USD1.45 billion), driven by a 4% rise in passenger traffic and a 25% jump in cargo tonnage. Mwenga said Kenya Airways aims to capitalise on this cargo momentum, especially in high-margin segments like perishables.

“This wasn’t luck. It was strategy, discipline, and execution,” she commented. “Project Kifaru has guided us through cost discipline, smarter route planning, digitisation, and operational sustainability. FY24 is the first real glimpse of its impact.”

She said that operational efficiencies, digital transformations, and strategic alliances – particularly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – have underpinned the turnaround. Maintenance and catering costs declined as the airline embraced strategic outsourcing and artificial intelligence-powered systems.

Kenya Airways has also strengthened its balance sheet by reducing debt, improving its debt-to-equity ratio through positive cash flow and renegotiating foreign debt terms. Revenue growth in cargo and pro-active forex and fuel hedging have helped mitigate currency risks and stabilise cash flow. “This year, our fuel hedging strategies saved us millions, and our working capital management ensured we didn’t need to go hunting for liquidity,” she disclosed.

Looking forward, she said that Kenya Airways plans to deepen its cargo strategy, expand AI-driven route planning, and pursue flexible leasing arrangements tailored to seasonal demand.

Source : ch-aviation.com

Planning a summer trip to Europe? If Germany’s your gateway, there’s a big visa rule change coming.

From July 1, travellers applying for a Schengen visa through Germany will no longer be able to appeal if their application is rejected. That’s because Germany’s Federal Foreign Office is scrapping the remonstration process worldwide – a procedure that previously let rejected applicants ask for a second look.

What’s changing?

Until now, anyone whose visa was denied could submit a free written appeal within 30 days – known as a remonstration. But following a successful trial run last year, German authorities are now ending this system permanently.

Instead of appealing, rejected applicants will now need to submit a brand-new visa application if they want to try again.

Why the change?

According to German officials, the goal is to speed up visa processing times and improve efficiency. By removing the remonstration stage, visa staff have been able to focus on handling new applications – resulting in faster turnaround and more approvals overall.

What does this mean for travellers?

If you’re applying through a German consulate after July 1, it’s more important than ever to get your application right the first time. Missing documents or unclear travel plans could mean starting the process from scratch.

But there are still options.

Travellers can apply for a Schengen visa through any member country – not just Germany – as long as they meet the rules: typically, that means entering through or spending the most time in the country you apply through.

Reminder: What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to travel freely for up to 90 days in a 180-day period across the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

Final boarding call for appeals

Germany’s visa shift might be a change in routine, but it’s not a dead end for travellers. Just make sure your documents are in order and plan ahead – especially if Germany is your chosen gateway to Europe.

It’s out with the old red tape, and in with a fresh stamp of approval – if you play your paperwork right. The question is: will other EU countries start adopting similar policies?

Source : euroweeklynews.com

ASKY Airlines Kenya has announced a transformative partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), aimed at increasing women’s participation in the aviation industry across the continent. The partnership was unveiled as part of ASKY’s 15th anniversary celebrations, marking the occasion with a legacy initiative that seeks to empower the next generation of female aviators, engineers, and industry leaders.

Despite significant growth in the global aviation industry, women remain drastically underrepresented, particularly in technical and leadership roles. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), women make up just 4.1% of pilots, less than 3% of aircraft maintenance engineers, and under 10% of airline executives in Africa.

“Through this partnership, we aim to change that narrative by addressing the structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s access to careers in aviation,” said a spokesperson for ASKY Airlines Kenya. “This is not just a corporate social responsibility effort — it’s an investment in the future of the industry.”

The ASKY–FAWE partnership focuses on five strategic objectives designed to foster gender inclusion and build capacity for women in aviation-related fields, particularly aeronautics:

• Promoting Gender Inclusion: The program will spotlight success stories of women in aviation while identifying and addressing the barriers they face, from gender bias to limited access to technical education.
• Mentorship Initiatives: Female students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses in Sub-Saharan Africa will be connected with established professionals in aviation, opening doors to guidance, networks, and career pathways.
• Policy Advocacy: The partnership will facilitate dialogue with governments, industry regulators, and educational stakeholders to develop policies that create a more inclusive aviation ecosystem.
• Capacity Building: FAWE and ASKY will work closely with universities, aviation schools, and technical training institutions to support curriculum development and access for female learners.
• Industry Collaboration: By encouraging partnerships among airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and aviation institutions, the initiative seeks to create more internships, scholarships, and job placements for women.

This alliance is seen as a game-changer for aviation in Africa, offering an unprecedented platform to engage stakeholders across the education and aviation sectors in a unified push for gender parity.

FAWE Executive Director, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “For Africa to truly unlock its economic potential, we must ensure that women are fully included in high-growth sectors like aviation. This partnership with ASKY Airlines allows us to drive structural change through education, mentorship, and opportunity.”

As ASKY Airlines celebrates 15 years of excellence in connecting Africa, this initiative will serve as a cornerstone for the airline’s enduring impact, one that not only opens the skies to more African women but also redefines what inclusive growth in the aviation sector can look like.

The first phase of the program is expected to launch later this year, with pilot activities in Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, and Togo, key markets in ASKY’s pan-African network.

The Karibu-KiliFair 2025, East Africa’s largest tourism fair, is set to take place from June 6–8 at the Prisons Grounds in Arusha Region, bringing together tourism stakeholders from across the globe to showcase Tanzania as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel.

Briefing the media over the weekend, Managing Director of KiliFair Promotions Mr Dominic Shoo, described the Karibu-KiliFair (KKF) as East Africa’s flagship tourism expo, born from the merger of two major tourism fairs in Tanzania.

This year’s event is expected to host over 500 exhibitors from 13 countries, more than 800 registered travel agents from 40+ countries and attract approximately 15,000 tourism and travel enthusiasts.

“Karibu-KiliFair is once again the undisputed largest and most important tourism expo in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Mr Shoo.

“Our theme, ‘Where Business Meets Wildlife’, continues to set us apart globally. Tanzania remains a top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination, one of the few places where business events seamlessly blend with iconic wildlife experiences.”

He said that the fair consistently delivers a powerful marketing platform not only for Arusha and Kilimanjaro but for Tanzania as a whole.

Co-Managing Director Mr Tom Kunkler praised the Tanzanian government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for prioritising the tourism sector through the development of new attractions, national parks and investor incentives.

He said that Tanzania remains a globally recognised destination for nature-based tourism, a highly competitive market segment in East Africa. Representing the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Principal Conservation Officer – Tourism, Ms Eunice Msangi, applauded KiliFair Promotions for its commitment to promoting Tanzania’s tourism sector.

“We invite all stakeholders and members of the public to attend Karibu-KiliFair 2025 to learn more about conservation and tourism. TANAPA will be there to showcase our national parks, share investment opportunities and provide detailed information about all protected areas,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of CRDB Bank, Mr Emmanuel Kafui, Zonal Business Manager for the Northern Zone, reiterated the bank’s support for the tourism sector.

“As tourism continues to grow rapidly, CRDB Bank is committed to supporting clients in the sector,” he said.

“We offer tent loans for accommodation facilities ranging from 1m/- to 500m/-, with no collateral required.”

Source : dailynews.co.tz

The Kenya Embassy in Southeast Asia has issued a new travel advisory with important updates for Kenyan citizens planning to visit the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia.

The advisory, announced on May 29 by the embassy in Bangkok, explains new entry protocols that encourage Kenyans across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam, to take note of the changes.

According to information from the Royal Government of Cambodia, the country has lifted all COVID-19-related health restrictions for travellers.“We write to convey the following information from the Royal Cambodia Government on travellers to the Kingdom of Cambodia;

“All health requirements related to COVID-19, including testing, quarantine, and other associated measures have been vacated,” the notice indicated.

This means that incoming visitors will no longer be required to undergo testing, quarantine, or comply with any other pandemic-related health measures.

Update on Visa application through the Embassy

Additionally, Kenyans travelling to Cambodia have been advised to apply for their visas through the government’s official online e-Visa platform at https://www.evisa.gov.kh.

Further, travellers can now complete Cambodia’s e-arrival card either before departure or upon arrival at any international border checkpoint within the country.

According to the embassy, the digitised form helps speed up immigration procedures and enhances traveller convenience.

“Travellers may conveniently apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia through the online e-Visa system of the government at https://www.evisa.gov.kh. 

“Travellers may complete the e-arrival card either prior to or upon arrival at an international border checkpoint of Cambodia,” added the notice. 

Moreover, the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok has encouraged all Kenyan nationals in the region to familiarise themselves with the new updates and share the information with fellow travellers.

“The Embassy requests that the information be shared with all Kenyans in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam for reference in case you are travelling to Cambodia,” stated the embassy.

US New Visa Regulations

The US is among the latest countries to enforce new visa rules affecting Kenyans.

The American government has stepped up its screening of visa applicants by checking social media posts for any content that criticises the United States or Israel.

This move, ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to prevent certain students, including Kenyans, from entering the country.

The directive specifically targets students who previously held visas between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024, and those whose visas have been revoked during this period.

Source : The Kenya Times

Travel agents and tourism professionals from across Kenya converged at the Sarova Panafric Hotel for the two-day renowned Nairobi Spotlight Event, a key gathering that has been instrumental in fostering connections across the travel industry since its inception in 2005. Among the attendees were Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) members from the Coast and Kisumu regions, who joined their Nairobi counterparts for a day filled with meaningful engagements and market insights.

The event brought together a diverse network of travel and tourism stakeholders, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hotels, and global travel brands, all united by a common goal – to strengthen business ties and explore emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.

KATA Chairman, Dr. Joseph Kithitu, lauded the efforts of event founder Derek Houston and his dedicated team, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to keeping the Spotlight platform alive and impactful over the past two decades.

“For 20 years, this event has provided a valuable bridge between international travel brands and the Kenyan travel trade,” Dr. Kithitu said in his remarks. “As we work toward rebuilding and expanding travel, such engagements reaffirm the strength, unity, and resilience of our industry.”

The Nairobi Spotlight Event is part of a larger regional initiative that seeks to connect African travel agents with global tourism suppliers through a series of B2B networking events held in major cities. Attendees at the Nairobi edition had the opportunity to interact with representatives from leading destinations, hotel groups, airline partners, and travel tech companies.

For KATA members, particularly those who travelled from outside the capital, the event was a chance not only to strengthen their professional networks but also to engage with international partners and gain insights into new travel products and services.

“KATA is proud to see our members actively participating in platforms that shape the future of travel,” said KATA Coast region Director, Patrick Kamanga. “This kind of interaction enhances knowledge sharing, fosters innovation, and positions Kenyan travel agents as strategic partners in the global tourism value chain.”

As the travel industry continues to recover and adapt to changing consumer trends and global demands, events like the Nairobi Spotlight serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continued dialogue within the sector.

With a renewed sense of optimism and a growing focus on regional and international partnerships, the Kenyan travel trade community left the event energized and ready to build on the connections made, a testament to the enduring value of the Spotlight series in shaping the future of tourism in the region.

In a move that marks a significant step forward for the travel and tourism sector, Nicanor Sabula, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) for a three-year term.

The appointment, announced by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano on Friday, is part of a wave of new leadership placements across various ministries aimed at strengthening service delivery and aligning institutions with the government’s broader development goals.

Mr. Sabula joins the TRA board alongside Fred Kaigua, bringing with him over two decades of industry expertise. As the CEO of KATA, a position he has held for several years, Sabula has played a pivotal role in steering the 45-year-old association through transformative milestones, including digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and robust policy advocacy on behalf of Kenya’s travel agents.

“This appointment is not only a recognition of Nicanor’s leadership but a major win for KATA and the entire travel agency sector,” said a KATA Chairman, Dr. Joseph Kithitu. “It creates a direct channel for the voice of travel agents to be heard at the regulatory level.”

The Tourism Regulatory Authority, mandated to regulate and coordinate the tourism sector in Kenya, plays a critical role in setting standards and ensuring compliance across all tourism-related services. With Sabula on the board, stakeholders anticipate greater collaboration between regulators and industry players.

His appointment comes at a time when the tourism sector is seeking to rebound and reposition itself, with a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder-driven growth.

“Having a seasoned industry voice like Sabula’s at the TRA is timely,” said one KATA Member. “It reflects a commitment to grounding regulation in the realities of the market and travel trends.”

For KATA, which has represented the interests of travel agents in Kenya for 45 years, this development signifies increased influence, deeper policy engagement, and stronger positioning in national tourism development agendas.

The appointments took effect on May 30, 2025.

Tanzania has impressively outperformed its goal of attracting five million tourists by 2025, welcoming 5.3 million visitors by April of that year. This accomplishment represents a seven percent increase over the original target and was reached three months ahead of the fiscal year’s end, showcasing the country’s rapid growth and rising status as a premier travel destination in Africa.

After the global disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Tanzania’s tourism sector has demonstrated exceptional resilience and recovery. This success stems from targeted promotional campaigns, infrastructure enhancements, and strategic collaborations that have effectively drawn visitors from across the globe, fueling steady increases in both tourist numbers and revenue.

A major driver behind this surge is the growing influx of travelers from China. In the current fiscal year, approximately seventy-one thousand tourists from the Far East journeyed to Tanzania, encouraged in part by a popular travel documentary titled Amazing Tanzania. The film, which features well-known Chinese actors, vividly portrays Tanzania’s breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, significantly boosting interest and travel bookings among Chinese audiences.

India also remains a crucial source market for Tanzania’s tourism. In 2024 alone, over sixty-three thousand Indian tourists visited the country, with demand remaining strong as bookings for upcoming years, including 2026 through 2028, continue to fill rapidly. This indicates a growing confidence in Tanzania’s travel offerings and its appeal as a long-term destination.

From an economic perspective, tourism remains a cornerstone of Tanzania’s growth strategy. Revenues have surged from USD 1.3 billion in 2021 to more than USD 3.9 billion in 2024. Key institutions such as Tanzania National Park (TANAPA), Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s digital platforms have collectively generated 912.9 billion Tanzanian shillings, surpassing ninety-four percent of the annual revenue target well before the fiscal year’s close.

To sustain this momentum, Tanzania continues to actively promote its attractions through partnerships with international airlines, hosting high-profile sporting events, producing engaging travel documentaries, and organizing special cultural festivities. These efforts broaden the country’s appeal and attract a diverse range of international visitors.

In a prestigious recognition of its growing prominence, Tanzania will host the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) gala ceremony in Dar es Salaam, the commercial hub. Scheduled for June 28, 2025, at the Johari Rotana Hotel, this event will honor leading tourism operators from across Africa and the Indian Ocean region, further highlighting Tanzania’s key role in the continent’s travel industry.

Policy reforms have also contributed to the sector’s vitality. Unnecessary fees and tariffs that previously posed challenges for investors, tour operators, and other stakeholders have been eliminated. For example, park entry fees for licensed tour guides have been removed, provided they hold official accreditation. These measures reduce operational costs and enhance the visitor experience, fostering industry growth.

Tanzania’s remarkable achievements reinforce its status as a top-tier African tourism destination. The country’s abundant natural beauty—from iconic national parks and wildlife reserves to vibrant cultural sites—continues to captivate travelers worldwide. This sustained tourism expansion not only bolsters the national economy but also elevates Tanzania’s global reputation.

Looking forward, Tanzania is committed to sustainable tourism that balances economic development with environmental stewardship and community welfare. This approach ensures that its unique heritage is preserved for future generations while maintaining unforgettable experiences for visitors.

In summary, Tanzania’s early surpassing of its five million tourist goal marks a significant milestone. Backed by innovative marketing, strong international demand, and progressive reforms, the nation is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory and solidify its place as one of Africa’s most sought-after travel destinations in the coming years.

Source: TravelandTourWorld

The Kenya Simbas have received a major boost ahead of their Rugby World Cup qualification campaign, following the unveiling of Kenya Airways as their official sponsor. The partnership, valued at Ksh15 million in kind, was officially announced during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders from the Kenya Rugby Union and Kenya Airways.

The sponsorship will play a key role in easing the team’s travel logistics as they begin preparations for the global qualifiers. The Simbas are set to leave for a three-week training camp in South Africa next week before returning home and later heading to Uganda on July 3rd for the Rugby World Cup qualifying matches.

KRU CEO Thomas Odundo, speaking during the launch, expressed the union’s gratitude. “Thank you very much on behalf of KRU,” he said, acknowledging the critical role the national carrier will play in supporting the Simbas’ mission.

KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, saying, “KQ has been with KRU in the past and we are glad to have you back. It’s an integral sponsorship having an airline as a partner as travel costs are largely reduced. As the Simbas begin their World Cup qualification journey, this is a big step up. We are very grateful and we hope the partnership will extend to other teams like the U20, Shujaa, and the Lionnesses.”

Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu reaffirmed the airline’s commitment, stating, “We are back. On behalf of our CEO, we are happy and proud to be part of the Simbas’ journey as they seek a place in the World Cup. We not only focus on sponsorship but also on socioeconomic development. There is a lot of talent in Kenya, and as a brand, we would like to help nurture and showcase it. We are going to walk this journey together—this is just a start, and we are also looking forward to supporting the other national teams.”

Simbas captain George Nyambua spoke on behalf of the team, expressing deep appreciation for the partnership. “We really want to say thank you. This sponsorship will have a big impact on our qualification journey. We believe we are going to qualify and make you proud.”

With renewed support and a strong sense of belief, the Simbas now set their sights on making history as they prepare for the World Cup qualification.

Source: Kenya Rugby