February 2024, Edition

Jambo, and welcome to the February 2024 issue of the KQ Jetsetter. This edition gives you a closer look at the launch event of our freshly reopened Mogadishu route, as well as a special introduction to our own eSim solution from our Innovation Hub, KQ Safari Data. In addition, we provide you with exclusive updates on our latest partnerships, events attended, frequency, and travel details.

Thank you for staying in touch!

Chat With KQ Jetsetter

In this episode, we catch up with KQ's?E-Payment Specialist from the Commercial Department, Louis Orwa.?In this episode, we delve into the newly introduced payment feature on our KQ website booking platform, the Multi-Currency Payment (MCP) tool, and how it?enhances our customers' booking experiences.

This new feature allows KQ customers across our global network to easily switch between?currencies while making bookings on the KQ website, improving the overall booking experience. Additionally, the episode?touches on the diverse payment options offered through our booking platform as well as other upcoming features.

To listen to our previous episodes of the Chat With KQ Jetsetter Podcast, visit our KQ YouTube?channel and?Spotify?page.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

KQ Resumes Nonstop Flights to Mogadishu

On 15th February 2024, Kenya Airways?resumed nonstop flights to Mogadishu. The reintroduction of the 3 weekly flights signifies a renewed focus on streamlining travel between Nairobi and Mogadishu, prioritising reduced travel time and enhanced accessibility.

The inaugural flight event held at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s Terminal 2 was graced by representatives from various industry stakeholders, among them: Kenya's Cabinet Secretary, Roads and Transport, Hon. Murkomen Kipchumba, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Hon. Aden Duale, Somalia's ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Ambassador Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, among others.

Our Group MD and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, highlighted that the resumed flights will enhance trade and economic opportunities between the connected regions. Additionally, they will stimulate tourism and strengthen cultural and social ties.

KQ Enhances The NDC Platform

On 1st February 2024, Kenya Airways upgraded the New Distribution Capability (NDC) in partnership with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), a leading air travel analytics company, allowing for seamless offer sharing with customers across various channels.This improvement seeks to provide real-time updates, personalised itineraries, and improved ancillary services for our customers.

This collaboration with ARC allows?Kenya Airways to offer richer content and detailed information through our booking platforms while providing a consistent booking experience.

Speaking about the partnership, our Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, emphasised KQ's commitment to enhancing the customer journey and how this collaboration marks a significant leap forward in achieving that goal.

Read more on NDC in our June 2022, edition.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

Travelling to Kenya is now as easy as filling out an application form on Kenya's official eTA website. The new electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system is an exciting step in enhancing travelers' experiences with the following benefits:

Experience the magic of Kenya without hassle. Visit our KQ website to book your next flight to Kenya.

KQ Cargo Expands Route Network

On 8th February 2024, KQ Cargo announced the expansion of its route network to include direct cargo flights between Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Mogadishu, Somalia. Starting 9th February 2024, the new route will operate weekly, with plans to increase to two weekly flights by April 2024.

KQ Cargo is partnering with Global GSA Cargo LLC, a global cargo sales and service agent based in the United Arab Emirates, as the cargo logistics partner for this route. The expansion comes after KQ Cargo recently increased its freighter capacities with the introduction of a B737-800F, offering extended-range capabilities.

Speaking on the introduction of the new route, KQ Cargo Director, Dick Murianki, highlighted that this new route aligns with our mission to propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting people, cultures, and markets while positioning our cargo unit as Africa's preferred cargo carrier.

KQ Introduces eSim Data Roaming Solution

Kenya Airways recently announced the introduction of Safari Data, an eSIM solution that offers you seamless access to cost-effective data roaming plans. Safari Data offers comprehensive data solutions spanning over 180 countries across the globe, ensuring travellers can stay connected seamlessly wherever they go.

Through Safari Data, travellers can easily access affordable and reliable data roaming plans, powered by Roambuddy's cutting-edge technology. Whether for business or leisure, Safari Data provides a hassle-free solution for staying connected while travelling internationally.?With coverage across a wide range of destinations, travellers can enjoy uninterrupted internet access, enabling them to stay productive, entertained, and connected with loved ones throughout their journey.

PARTNERSHIPS

KQ, Air Europa Sign Codeshare Agreement

On 6th February 2024, Kenya Airways announced a codeshare agreement with Air Europa, the third-largest Spanish carrier, extending our reach in Europe and the United States of America. The new agreement will allow Air Europa passengers to fly to Nairobi from Amsterdam as well as allow KQ passengers to fly to Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, New York, and Miami.

The agreement has significantly expanded customers' travel options by providing access and convenience, as guests will enjoy benefits such as the purchase of a single ticket, a single check-in, and connections with minimum waiting times, among others.

Kenya Airways will deploy its codes on four Air Europa routes, specifically from Amsterdam to Madrid, Madrid to Palma de Mallorca, Madrid to New York, and Miami, while Air Europa will place its code on the KQ flights from?Amsterdam to Nairobi.

KQ, Kenya Tourism Board Partnership

From 5th - 9th February 2024, Kenya Airways and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) led a delegation of over 15 travel trade companies on a roadshow in West Africa.

The event, known as the “Magical Kenya West Africa Roadshow”, aimed at showcasing the various offerings of Kenya as a travel destination and establishing meaningful partnerships with Ghanaian and Nigerian travel industry players.

The roadshow covered key markets, including Accra, Lagos, and?Abuja, providing an opportunity to engage with stakeholders and promote Kenya's tourism offerings.

KQ Renews Codeshare with Vietnam Airlines

On 22nd February 2024, Kenya Airways announced the renewal of our codeshare partnership with Vietnam Airlines following KQ's resumption of flights to Thailand late last year, on 21st November 2023.

This codeshare partnership allows customers to enjoy flexibility and choice with smooth connections via Bangkok and Nairobi to points such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Kisumu, Entebbe, Kigali, and Mombasa, among others—perfect destinations for leisure and business travellers or those visiting family or friends. Customers travelling to Vietnam can connect to Hanoi and Saigon easily via KQ’s services in Bangkok and onwards on Vietnam Airlines.

Our guests will be able to buy single-ticket itineraries on our flights for their entire trip and enjoy hassle-free flight benefits, including baggage allowance, in addition to convenient bag check-through to their final destination. Since both KQ and Vietnam Airlines are members of the SkyTeam Alliance, frequent flyers will earn miles on both airlines, while Elite Plus customers will benefit from SkyPriority services.

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EVENTS

Magical Kenya Open 2024

The Magical Kenya Open (MKO), hosted by Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL), took place from 22nd to 25th February 2024, at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya Airways participated in the event as the official air partner, providing seamless travel experiences for European Tour Group officials as well as offering discounted tickets to the over 200 players and caddies participating at the DP World Tour destinations.

As part of this year's tour, KOGL also hosted Africa's first Golf for the Disabled (G4D) Tournament from 19th – 20th February 2024. The G4D event is part of Kenya's commitment to embracing and promoting inclusivity in golf, having joined the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA). The G4D tournament had a field of Top 10 international G4D players, and KQ provided the G4D golfers and their caddies with five return tickets and free carriage of their golf bags.

Commenting on the partnership, our Group MD and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, highlighted KQ's commitment to supporting people with disabilities (PWDs) and how we're at the forefront of promoting initiatives that drive inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities. Programmes like G4D are vital for offering athletes with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their talent and sports fans a chance to experience the joy of golf and sports.

FREQUENCY & TRAVEL UPDATES

Eldoret

Starting 25th March 2024, KQ will operate 5 weekly flights to Eldoret. Fly from Nairobi to Eldoret every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Explore opportunities and reconnect with families.

Maputo

Starting 14th June 2024, KQ will operate three?weekly flights to Maputo every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Lagos

Starting 1st?April 2024,?Kenya Airways will operate?3 additional flights to Lagos.?Enjoy one additional weekly flight on Saturdays, followed by two additional flights, starting 3rd?June 2024 on Mondays and Thursdays.

Accra

Starting 2nd June 2024, KQ will?increase capacity by?deploying the?Boeing B787-8?on our?4x weekly flights to Accra?and beyond?to Freetown. Enjoy a?more comfortable journey and convenient travel options.

Freetown

Starting 2nd June 2024, KQ will increase capacity by deploying the Boeing B787-8 on our 4x weekly flights to Freetown via Accra.

Paris

Starting 5th July 2024, KQ will operate two additional weekly flights to Paris every Friday and Sunday. With our additional flights, enjoy seamless travel when you fly to take part in the Olympics.

Amsterdam

Starting 30th March 2024, fly 7x weekly to Amsterdam from Nairobi with Kenya Airways and discover the city's rich history.?Enjoy a seamless connection with more travel options.

New York

Starting 15th June 2024, KQ will increase flights to New York, offering you two additional weekly flights every Thursday and Saturday. Enjoy more flexibility when travelling to this iconic city.

Mauritius

Fly 7x weekly to Mauritius with Kenya Airways, providing you with convenient options for your next adventure.?Explore the enchanting beauty of Mauritius and create unforgettable memories.

Kigali

For your flexibility and convenience, we have increased our weekly flight operations to Rwanda.?Fly 17x weekly from Nairobi to Kigali with Kenya Airways.

Mogadishu

Kenya Airways now operates 3x weekly flights to Mogadishu. Fly non-stop to Mogadishu from Nairobi every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Jet Byte: Did you Know?

That Airplane Mode protects against radio interference?

Airplane mode or flight mode?acts as a safety switch, silencing your device's radio waves to prevent them from interfering with sensitive airplane systems during flight.?

While modern aircraft are built to handle some interference, playing it safe by enabling airplane mode ensures optimal communication, navigation, and overall flight safety for everyone on board.?

Your Travel Experience is Personal.

Click here to get your Travel Personalised.

Have you caught up with the latest?edition of?our in-flight magazine, Msafiri??Click here to read.

Editors: Esther Musyoki?&?Raymond Kigai.