Qatar Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya Airways, paving the way for a strengthened partnership.
QATAR AIRWAYS, KENYA AIRWAYS PARTNERSHIP
The signing of this agreement took place in Doha on 1 July, between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Allan Kilavuka.
“This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways’ return to profit for the first time in more than a decade earlier this year. The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East Africa region.” Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, said.
ADDITIONAL FLIGHTS
Under the agreement Qatar Airways will introduce a third daily service between Doha and Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. This will be through a codeshare flight with Kenya Airways. The new service will be complemented by the launch of flights between Mombasa and Doha during the winter season. This will indeed be operated by Kenya Airways but marketed by Qatar Airways.
The airlines will also codeshare across their route networks to offer seamless connections and greater choice for travellers. In addition, the carriers aim to collaborate in areas, such as cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement and maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO).
EXPANDED FOOTPRINT IN AFRICA
Thus, Qatar Airways is strengthening its presence in Africa. In August 2024, it took a 25% stake in privately-owned South African carrier, Airlink. The Doha-based airline is also in the process of taking a 49% stake in Rwanda’s national airline, RwandAir. Though, this transaction has not yet been finalised.
“This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement – which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya – is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said.
