Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership between the two airlines. This partnership will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and an increase in flights between the East African state and Qatar Airways’ Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.
The MoU was signed by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, and Allan Kilavuka, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways. The signing took place in Doha and marks a significant step in the deepening ties between the two airlines.
As part of the partnership, Qatar Airways will introduce a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways. These flights will be available for booking in the coming days. Additionally, Kenya Airways will operate flights between Mombasa and Doha during the winter season, marketed by Qatar Airways. This will provide travelers with greater choice and seamless connections between the two networks.
The collaboration between the two airlines will also extend to other areas of the business, including cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programs, procurement, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, said that this partnership is a testament to their commitment to the African region. With this agreement, the airline aims to contribute to the continent’s growing aviation and economic ecosystem. This partnership comes as Qatar Airways celebrates 20 years of flying to Kenya and reflects their ongoing partnerships across Africa, including their recent investment in Airlink.
Allan Kilavuka, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, expressed his excitement about the partnership and how it aligns with their robust turnaround strategy. This strategy has already resulted in Kenya Airways’ return to profitability earlier this year, after more than a decade of losses. He also believes that this partnership will help boost tourism and air cargo activities, contributing to Kenya and the East Africa region’s economic growth.
The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways brings together two leading airlines to provide excellence to their global community of travelers. In recent years, both airlines have received numerous awards and recognition, including Kenya Airways’ recognition as Africa’s Leading Airline and Business Class by the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years. Qatar Airways, the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East, has been named the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2021.
Qatar Airways currently offers over 170 weekly flights to 30 cities across Africa. The airline has also optimized its schedule in most African destinations to improve connectivity to key destinations such as Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York, and Washington through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.
This partnership between Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways is a promising development for both airlines and their customers.