The travel industry came together this week to celebrate Nassir Ladha of Fleet Travel, recognized as the top seller for Kenya Airways’ inaugural flight to Gatwick. His impressive performance earned him a return ticket to Gatwick courtesy of Kenya Airways, with hotel accommodation sponsored by Travelport — a gesture that underscored the power of collaboration in Kenya’s dynamic travel ecosystem.
The recognition event, attended by representatives from Kenya Airways (KQ), Travelport, and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), marked a high point in an ongoing partnership that has played a pivotal role in driving awareness and sales for the Nairobi–Gatwick route.
Launched on 2 July 2025, the route marked a significant milestone for Kenya Airways as it introduced its second London gateway alongside Heathrow. Operating three times a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — the service has strengthened connectivity between Kenya and the United Kingdom, opening new avenues for tourism, business travel, and diaspora engagement. The route also reflects KQ’s strategic vision to diversify its European footprint while enhancing convenience for travellers on both ends.
Since the launch, Kenya Airways and Travelport have worked hand in hand to promote the route across the travel trade. Through Travelport’s vast agent network, joint marketing campaigns, and incentive programs, the two organizations have effectively positioned the Gatwick route as a key travel option for passengers seeking flexibility, affordability, and convenience.
Speaking during the celebration, Nita Nagi, Travelport’s Regional Manager for East Africa, emphasized the significance of collaboration between technology providers and airlines in today’s travel landscape.
“Our partnership with Kenya Airways goes beyond distribution — it’s about empowering travel agents with the tools, insights, and motivation they need to succeed,” said Ms. Nagi. “The success of the Gatwick route is a clear example of how industry collaboration can translate into real market results. We are proud to support Kenya Airways and our agency partners in delivering exceptional value to travellers while strengthening Kenya’s connectivity to the world.”
Officials from Kenya Airways echoed the sentiment, noting that partnerships with technology partners such as Travelport remain central to their growth strategy. By equipping travel agents with the latest booking technology and product information, KQ and Travelport are ensuring the trade community remains at the heart of aviation growth.
The event also celebrated the contribution of travel agents like Nassir Ladha, whose outstanding sales performance demonstrates the impact of motivated and well-supported travel professionals. His achievement reflects the shared commitment between Kenya Airways and Travelport to recognize excellence and foster innovation within the travel trade.
As the Gatwick route continues to gain momentum, both Kenya Airways and Travelport reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration — investing in market engagement, supporting trade partnerships, and rewarding the agents driving Kenya’s aviation success story forward.
Together, the two organizations are not only connecting destinations but also shaping the future of Kenya’s travel industry through technology, partnership, and people.
