Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways Sign Strategic Partnership Deal

Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signaling their intent to establish a strategic partnership.

The collaboration will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and expanded flight frequencies between Kenya and Qatar Airways’ award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha.

The MoU was signed in Doha by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Allan Kilavuka.

The partnership will see Qatar Airways introduce a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi, operating in codeshare with Kenya Airways. Flights are expected to be available for booking over the coming days.

The new offering will be complemented by the launch of Kenya Airways-operated and Qatar Airways-marketed flights between Mombasa and Doha during the coming winter season.

The two airlines will also extensively codeshare on both networks to offer seamless connections and greater choice for travellers from around the world.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer noted the partnership is yet another demonstration of 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,” he said.

Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, highlighted that the partnership perfectly aligns with KQ’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,” he said.

Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways will look to develop collaboration in other parts of the business, including cargo, airport and ground services, loyalty programmes, procurement, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.