Travel Agents News – Page 3 – Kenya Association of Travel Agents

What Do Africa’s Airline Connections With The US Look Like Compared To 5 Years Ago?

It’s been almost five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aviation industry has mostly recovered . So, what are the United States’ direct flight connections with the continent of Africa for November 2024 compared to November 2019 before the pandemic? Africa is collectively home to around 1.4 billion people – far more than North and South America combined. According to data from Cirium, flights between the US and Africa have significantly more than recovered from the pandemic.

Airlines flying between the US and Africa

Comparing data for the months of November 2019 and November 2024 for direct flights from Africa to the United States, there has been a notable 33% increase in flights.

Delta Air Lines A330-200 shutterstock_2486927139

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

In 2019, seven airlines flew from Africa to the United States – two US airlines and four airlines based in countries in Africa. Two United States-based airlines fly to Africa – Delta Air Lines and United Airlines . American Airlines is notable for not flying to Africa (there are reasons why American Airlines doesn’t fly to Africa ), while Southwest doesn’t even fly to Canada as its system is not set up to receive Canadian dollars .

Airlines flying between the United States and Africa in November 2024

Royal Air Marco
EgyptAir
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Kenya Airways
Ethiopian Airlines

Two of the six African airlines in 2019 were from North Africa (Royal Air Maroc in Marocco) and EgyptAir. Three airlines from sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways). One airline from the African island nation of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde Airlines) doesn’t fit neatly into the North/Sub-Saharan African divide.

Related

Delta Once Planned A Massive African Expansion – What Happened?

Change in US-based flights to Africa

Notably, US-based Delta and United have driven the increase in flights between the continents. Overall, the number of monthly flights has increased from 640 to 852, a 33% increase.

United Airlines Boeing 787 departing LHR shutterstock_2400014209

Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock

Delta’s flights increased from 160 in November 2019 to 232 in November 2024. That represents a 45% increase in flights and a total of 59,506 seat capacity for November 2024. Delta is the airline with the most flights and seats between the US and Africa. It flies to South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana (in West Africa), and Morocco.

Airline:	Flights November 2019	Flights November 2024	Change
Royal Air Maroc:	134	112	-16%
Delta Air Lines:	160	232	+45%
Ethiopian Airlines:	91	150	+65%
Kenya Airways:	44	60	+36%
EgyptAir:	86	74	-14%
South African Airways:	112	0	-100%
United Airlines:	0	224	+100%
Cabo Verde Airlines:	13	0	-100%
Total:	640	852	+33%

While United lacked any flights to Africa in November 2019, it has 224 scheduled for 225, placing it second after Delta. United’s African destinations are similar to Delta’s: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco. All of these routes (except for flights from Newark to Marrakesh, Morocco) are served with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. Most are three times a week, although the flights to South Africa’s Johannesburg are daily.

United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER landing

Related

United Airlines Expands In Africa: Only US Carrier To Fly Non-Stop From Newark To Marrakesh

Marrakech is United Airlines’ fifth destination in Africa.

Change in Africa-based flights to US

Two African-based airlines ( Cabo Verde Airlines and South African Airways ) are no longer scheduled to fly to the US in November 2024. Whereas Ethiopian Airlines may have been a sub-Saharan success story, the same cannot be said for South African Airways. Once the leading airline in sub-Saharan Africa, it collapsed in 2019 but resumed operations in 2021 and is being rebuilt .

Photo: Croatorum | Shutterstock

Despite a large civil war (and a series of other confusing civil wars) ravaging parts of Ethiopia (particularly between 2020 and 2022), the number of Ethiopian Airlines flights to the United States has increased by 65% from 91 flights to 150. That is the largest percentage increase of any airline over that time (from a non-zero starting point).

Ethiopian Airlines has grown to become one of the leading stars of airlines in sub-Saharan Africa and offers some of the best connections for the continent (there are comparatively few inter-African connections). Ethiopian Airlines has made its hub at Addis Ababa a major hub for sub-Saharan Africa in general. Unfortunately, in Western countries Ethiopian Airlines is perhaps better known for Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 , whose Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed in March 2019 (which heralded Boeing’s MAX crisis that continues to buffet the company today).

Airline	Seats November 2019	Seats November 2024	Change
Royal Air Maroc:	38,508	32,368	-16%
Delta Air Lines	40,044	59,506	+49%
Ethiopian Airlines:	25,155	43,136	+71%
Kenya Airways:	10,296	14,040	+36%
EgyptAir:	26,574	24,790	-7%
South African Airways:	30,780	0	-100%
United Airlines:	0	54,024	+100%
Cabo Verde Airlines:	2,379	0	-100%
Total:	173,736	227,864	+31%

Kenya Airways Boeing 787 Come Live The Magic livery

Photo: Abdul N Quraishi – Abs | Shutterstock

Kenya Airways has also been able to increase its flights to the US by 36%. EgyptAir and Royal Air Maroc have both decreased a little, with 14% fewer flights and 7% fewer seats, and 16% fewer flights and 16% fewer seats, respectively. There are no scheduled Cabo Verde Airlines flights scheduled for November 2024.

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent and has so much to see and do. It is one of the least explored regions of the world and very often gets in the news for all the wrong reasons. Sub-Saharan Africa is best known for its safaris to see the animals, but there is so much more on offer. The comparative dearth of flights to only seven of Africa’s 56 or so countries shows there is much more potential.

Source: Simple Flying

Kenya Airways Set to Elevate In-Flight Dining Experience.

[Nairobi, Kenya, October 1, 2024] – Kenya Airways in collaboration with its customers is set to elevate
its in-flight dining experience following an exclusive Product Selection event held today at KQ’s Pride
Centre.
This unique gathering brought together select customers and culinary experts to sample a diverse array
of meals and drinks, all aimed at reshaping the airline’s onboard dining experience.
Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, commented on the event, emphasizing that food is one of the
most memorable aspects of travel. He stated, “Kenya Airways is committed to transforming in-flight
dining from a routine necessity into an enjoyable experience that passengers can genuinely look forward
to.”

Kilavuka further emphasized the new upcoming menu, stating, “The new menu will showcase a
harmonious mix of global culinary influences and local flavors, guaranteeing that every guest discovers
something delightful to enjoy. Our goal is for our meals to be as thrilling as the destinations you’re
visiting.”
Sustainability is also a key focus of this initiative, with Kenya Airways planning to source ingredients
responsibly and support local producers. Kilavuka noted that this approach marries the culinary
experience with a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing the meal while contributing to
the well-being of the planet.
Attendees at the event were encouraged to provide feedback, which will help shape the future of Kenya
Airways’ in-flight offerings. This interactive experience underscores the airline’s dedication to passenger
engagement, making customers feel heard and valued in the decision-making process.
“Through this event, Kenya Airways is not only elevating its in-flight dining but also redefining what
travelers can expect from their journeys,” Kilavuka stated.
He added, “We aim to ensure that every aspect of your flight is enjoyable, from takeoff to landing,
leaving you with delicious memories long after the plane has landed.”
As Kenya Airways continues to innovate and refine its services, travelers can look forward to a dining
experience that captures the essence of hospitality and flavor, making every journey not just a means to
an end but a delightful part of the adventure.

Ends…

About Kenya Airways:
Kenya Airways (KQ), The Pride of Africa, is Kenya’s national carrier and a leading African airline on a mission to
propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets. We fly to 45 destinations worldwide, 37
of which are in Africa, connecting over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 Tons of cargo annually through the
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 honoured 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

We are also available on X: @ KenyaAirways & @ KQSupport , Facebook: @ OfficialKenyaAirways, Instagram:
@ OfficialKenyaAirways Tiktok: @officialkenyaairways
For all media enquiries, please reach out to Kenya Airways Corporate Communications at
Corporate.communications@kenya-airways.com.

See Full press release here:

Exclusive Product Selection for Elevated In-flight Dining Experience – Press Release (1)Download

Regional airlines need innovative technology.

THE Tanzania Association of Travel Agents (TASOTA) has underscored the need to embrace innovative technologies to shield the sector from disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Agnes Rwegasira, the TASOTA chairperson, made this appeal at a travel convention and annual general meeting (AGM) in Dar es Salaam yesterday, an event that brought together key stakeholders from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

The meeting was intended for crucial deliberations, networking and collaboration with the expectation of shaping the future of the local travel industry.

“We are gathered here with various stakeholders from the airlines and the tourism sector in general. Our goal is to collaborate with the government and private agencies to promote domestic and international tourism in line with the country’s policies,” she stated.

The meeting featured panel discussions on how East African countries can work together to enhance tourism, address policy and infrastructure challenges and foster the industry’s sustainable development.

The new distribution capability protocol adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) came up for discussion, which stakeholders say is revolutionizing airline services by enabling personalized offers and improving financial systems.

Discussions centred on how to capitalise on Tanzania’s leisure tourism potential with luxury offerings, innovative experiences and international partnerships, without offsetting sustainable tourism practices.

“Conversations highlighted the need to expand domestic air connectivity, address challenges in remote areas, making air travel more accessible and sustainable across the country, ” she explained.

David Kihenzile, the Transport deputy minister, remarked that the growth of the travel and tourism sector has to be aligned with sustainability, stressing that environmental considerations should be integral to business strategies, not an afterthought.

“As key stakeholders in the industry, you have the power to lead by example by adopting sustainable practices, such as initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure and responsible tourism,” he stated.

The TASOTA leadership, government representatives, industry experts from IATA and regional travel executives offered valuable insights into the future of local air travel and in the Southern Africa region.

Source: IPP Media

Air France to launch free ultra-high-speed Starlink connectivity onboard all aircraft.

Air France is revolutionising its onboard WiFi service. From 2025 onwards, the airline will progressively roll-out an ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a ‘ground-like’ experience. This new service, completely free-of-charge in all travel cabins, will be accessible to customers by logging into their Flying Blue account. Over time, this WiFi service will be made available onboard all the airline’s aircraft, replacing the current offer.

Air France has chosen Starlink for high-speed, low-latency connectivity. During their flight, customers will be able to stay in touch with friends and family, follow all the world’s news live, play video games online, and stream TV, films, and series. The service will be accessible from smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops, and each customer will be able to connect several devices simultaneously.

Customers will be able to access the service by logging into their Flying Blue account, the Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty program. Those who do not yet have a Flying Blue account can create one free-of-charge onboard and in just a few clicks.

As of the summer 2025 season, Air France will gradually equip all its aircraft with this cutting-edge technology, including its regional fleet. During this transitional period, the airline will continue to offer a connectivity service onboard aircraft that are not yet equipped, including a free ‘Message Pass’ for Flying Blue members and a paid offer that covers other needs.

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, will talk exclusively at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. He will share insights on the airline’s future plans and strategies for continued growth.

Source: Future Travel Experience

Everything We Know About Kenya’s New Digital Nomad Visa.

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

Kenya is the latest country to announce a visa specifically for digital nomads.

The East African country’s President, William Ruto, reportedly made the announcement on October 2. According to Nation, the leader shared the exciting information at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 in the country’s capital, Nairobi. Discussing the “Digital Nomad Work Permit,” Ruto briefly outlined what traveling and expat remote workers can expect.

The Digital Nomad Work Permit will be “specifically designed to welcome global digital professionals, allowing them to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country’s natural beauty and high-quality lifestyle,” Ruto reportedly said. “Kenya can be your home, where you and your family can experience the wonders of magical Kenya every day. All while serving clients from anywhere in the world on your digital platform.”

What Else Do We Know About Kenya’s Digital Nomad Work Permit?

Euro News reports that eligibility will require a valid passport, proof of remote work, a clean record, and evidence of accommodations in Kenya. An applicant’s annual income requirement will allegedly have to be at least $55,000. The government has not yet clarified when they will release applications, set deadlines, or determine the visa’s duration. It’s unclear if Kenya’s Digital Nomad Work Permit will lead to citizenship for applicants who want it.

Ruto revealed that a new electronic travel authorization system will be introduced for travelers passing through Nairobi, alongside the visa. Once registered via the authorization system, people will be able to leave the airport and explore Kenya’s capital during flight layovers.

The president reportedly boasted about Kenya’s booming influx of travelers and tourism in recent years. Describing the country as a “top global destination” with stunning terrains, wildlife, nightlife, and more, Ruto also highlighted the country’s “incredible diversity, with over 40 distinct cultures.”

There are currently only a few African countries that offer digital nomad visas, including Namibia, Cape Verde, and Mauritius.

Qantas launches historic Airbus A380 flights to Johannesburg and expands African connections with Airlink Codeshare

#BreakingNews: Airlink and Qantas Establish Codeshare

Airlink is pleased to announce a new codeshare partnership with Qantas, significantly enhancing its network and connectivity across Southern Africa.

As part of this partnership, Qantas will add its QF code to Airlink’s… pic.twitter.com/lZJIzeKna8
— Airlink (@Fly_Airlink) September 30, 2024

Qantas has made history with the launch of its inaugural Airbus A380 flight (QF63) between Sydney and Johannesburg, marking the first time the Superjumbo (VH-OQH today) has operated between Australia and Africa. The new route will run up to six times per week, adding 130,000 seats annually and reintroducing First Class and an expanded Premium Economy offering. The A380 also features an upper deck lounge for First and Business passengers.

In addition to the capacity boost, Qantas has announced a codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based Airlink, offering seamless connections to nine South African destinations, including Cape Town and Durban, with plans to expand further into southern Africa.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace highlighted the airline’s long history of flying to South Africa and emphasised the importance of the additional capacity and enhanced connectivity for tourism, business, and trade between the two continents. Fares for the new flights and codeshare connections are available for booking now, with travel beginning in late October 2024.

Source: Aviation24

Infrastructure, policy seen as key to boosting Africa’s travel, tourism – Experts

Infrastructure development and visa policy review have been identified as indices that can boost travel and tourism across Africa.

The experts, who were panelists during discussion on how Africa’s tourism sector can be developed, at the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Markets, held at Eko Hotels and Suits, Lagos, said there must be deliberate efforts to develop community tourism as well as ease stringent visa policy on the continent.

Setting the tone for the discussion, Akinbulejo Onabolu, head, Enterprise segment, MTN Nigeria, in a presentation listed issues such as digital divide and limited Internet access, limited transportation, inadequate facilities and lack of basic amenities such as good roads, water, electricity as those beseting tourism on the continent.

According to Onabolu, “Technology plays a vital role in addressing the many challenges,” adding that good marketing and promotion of tourists’ products, sustainability initiatives and good payment platforms and solutions will turn the sector around.

Also speaking, Bayo Omomowo, head, Information Technology, MoMo PSB, MTN, also stressed the need for seamless payment platforms for tourists at any location on the continent, saying ‘technology will enhance tourism discovery’.

Ahmed Naaman of Dodo Travels in Ghana and Davidson Mugisha from Rwanda, spoke in the same direction by urging African governments to ease visa rules and policy.

“Visa issuance is a major issue for the past 20 years, for tourists. There is need to lower.exorbitant visa processing fees and review some policies”, Naaman said

Edi Lawani, Chief Executive Officer, Kuruku Nigeria, called for concerted efforts to promote the sector.

He wants stakeholders to prevail on government to make policies that would in turn create enabling environment for the sector to thrive.

“We are only scratching the surface, we need to engage government’, he said.

Adama Bah of the Gambia tourism decried lack of implementation of some good policies by African governments, saying the continent can convene World Travel Market if it gets its acts together.

“We have a problem of lack of or partial implementation of Blueprints in Africa, otherwise, if we get the support of African Union, we will ensure we have a Pan African Travel market because our biggest asset is our culture. Also, government must support the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises “, Bah said.

Akwaaba Travel Market has become the largest gathering of tourism stakeholders in West Africa, promoting the rich tourism potentials in Nigeria, the West Africa and the entire African continent

For the past 20 years, the organisers have brought the world together for the travel and tourism exhibition fair and the 20th edition equally witnessed several high-profile newcomers making their debut

Also the #JollofRiceWar returned at the opening featuring 10 chefs who prepared different delicacies of Jollof Rice to satisfy the culinary cravings of the participants.

Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head of SME Segments, Enterprise Business in her presentation said the MTN was committed to promoting tourism in Africa with its digital solutions.

“We will be working together with ecosystem if partners to drive productivity and desire to improve businesses. Our desire is to enable businesses to become more productive.

Source: Business Day

Mombasa governor picks up push for open skies to boost coast tourism

Mombasa governor Abdulswammad Shariff Nassir has called for the implementation of the open skies policy to enable international flights to land directly in Mombasa.

Nassir says this will accelerate growth of the tourism sector in the region as more international tourists will be coming to the island.

“We are pushing for the open sky policy so that Mombasa can have access to 320 cities in the world,” Nassir said

Mombasa is one of the coastal counties depending on the tourism industry to generate revenue and source of employment for thousands of residents.

The industry suffered a blow due to the coronavirus pandemic which led to the suspension of travel, therefore crippling the sector.

Governor Nassir, however, noted that he has held meetings with players in the industry to strategize on how the business will stay afloat, saying that easing restrictions and introducing incentives among other interventions will help attract global flights land at the Mombasa International Airport.

Stakeholders want more scheduled flights to Mombasa but the challenge facing some of the operators include frustrations in applying for licenses.

Some of the airlines that used to travel to Mombasa directly include Qatar Airways, KLM Royal Dutch, and Emirates among others.

“We need to improve international tourism and by bringing these airlines then it directly translates to foreign exchange and opportunists for our people. This will be a game changer,” Nassir added

Source: NTV Kenya

World Tourism Day: How Travel Management Companies Can Promote Justice and Peace in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 18 – As we approach World Tourism Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the role Travel Management Companies (TMCs) play in fostering justice and peace.

TMCs Roundtable at KATA Offices: Industry leaders tackle travel sector challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions/ Photo Credits: Bryan Obala

This year’s theme encourages a deep and thoughtful examination of tourism’s impact on various global issues.

For Kenya, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this reflection is especially pertinent. As the Managing Director of Hemingways Travel, I am excited to explore how these organizations can drive positive change by addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation.

Kenya’s tourism sector is a significant economic driver, but it also brings complex challenges.

The influx of visitors can impact local communities in various ways, necessitating a focus on equitable benefit distribution.

Travel agencies should prioritize supporting local businesses, fostering fair employment opportunities, and advocating for policies that safeguard vulnerable populations.

By promoting local engagement and ensuring that tourism revenues are channeled back into the communities that host travelers, they can help bridge the gap between tourists and residents, fostering a more inclusive and equitable tourism model.

Hemingways has been at the forefront of supporting rugby in Kenya and has partnered with some institutions in assisting less privileged members of the society in Kenya with food and basic commodities.

As a TMC we have been championing carbon emission reduction by ensuring our clients have adequate information of the carbon generated on all of their travel activities together with possible offset mechanisms.

Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.

TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.

Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.

By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.

We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.

Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.

By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.