February 2025, Edition

Jambo, and welcome to the February 2025 edition of KQ Jetsetter. Discover the newest addition to our fleet—the recently acquired Boeing B737-800, a testament to our commitment to providing more travel options and flexibility for our valued guests. Additionally, stay updated on our latest partnerships, exciting events we've attended, awards and recognitions we've received, as well as frequency updates and essential travel information.

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CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

KQ Expands Fleet with Arrival of New Boeing 737-800

On 16th February 2025, we welcomed the arrival of a Boeing 737-800, adding more capacity and flexibility to our network. The aircraft, which was acquired from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), boasts a capacity of 170 seats and will immediately boost our available seat inventory, thus offering our guests more travel options and flexibility. This expansion is part of our continued commitment to providing you with seamless travel experiences across Africa and beyond.

Commenting on the arrival of the aircraft, our Group MD and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, highlighted how this new addition reaffirms our commitment to building a robust and modern fleet that supports our vision for growth. He further added that the acquisition from DAE represents an important milestone in our long-term partnership and solidifies our relationship as we work together in the future.

The additional aircraft comes at a pivotal time when we're actively pursuing opportunities to expand our fleet through strategic partnerships with leading aircraft manufacturers and lessors, focusing on narrow and wide-body models offering increased seat capacity and operational efficiency. Our proactive approach to fleet expansion and ability to secure timely resources underscores our resilience and commitment to our long-term growth.

PARTNERSHIPS

KQ, Air India Codeshare Partnership

On 30th January 2025, we?took a significant step towards enhancing seamless travel between India and Africa with the launch of a new codeshare agreement with?Air India. This collaboration builds upon our existing interline agreement, reinforcing both airlines’ commitment to providing travellers with greater convenience and expanded travel options. The combined benefits of the codeshare and interline agreements will allow passengers to enjoy smooth connectivity across multiple destinations with a single ticket and a unified baggage policy. This initiative is designed to simplify travel logistics and improve the overall customer experience.

As part of the new agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Kenya Airways’ twice-daily flights between Nairobi and Mumbai. From Mumbai, passengers can seamlessly connect on Air India-operated flights to Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Malé, Melbourne, and Singapore. Additionally, passengers flying from Nairobi to Delhi on Air India can access a vast network of domestic and international destinations via Delhi. Similarly, Kenya Airways will now place our ‘KQ’ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Nairobi, offering enhanced connectivity for travellers from Africa transiting through Nairobi en route to India’s capital.

Commenting on this partnership, our Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, highlighted how our expanded?partnership with Air India will?open up significant opportunities for our passengers. The codeshare agreement allows us to offer seamless connections to a wider range of destinations across both airlines’ networks, making travel easier and more convenient.

Looking ahead, Kenya Airways and Air India plan to further expand the codeshare agreement to include additional destinations within our network. Passengers can now book codeshare flights through both airlines’ official booking channels and travel agents, making international travel more seamless and convenient than ever before.

KQ, Standard Chartered Bank Strategic Partnership

On 3rd February 2025, we signed a strategic partnership with Standard Chartered Bank, aimed at elevating customer experiences through exclusive travel benefits. This collaboration is designed to provide enhanced value for Standard Chartered Affluent clients and Asante Rewards Members, offering:

• Special discounts for Standard Chartered customers and staff on flights and holiday packages
• Double 360° Rewards Points on Kenya Airways ticket purchases
• Seamless Asante Rewards status matching and joint advertising opportunities

During the official signing event, our Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, emphasised our commitment to delivering seamless and rewarding travel experiences. He highlighted how this partnership combines the strengths of both brands to offer tailored benefits that cater to the dynamic needs of today’s travellers.?

Other key members represnting?our leadership team, were also in attendance, including our General Manager, Digital, Brand & Marketing, Martin Gitonga, alongside our General Manager, East, Central, and Southern Africa, Rose Kiseli, and our Marketing Manager, Rest of the World, Clinton Muema.

Looking ahead, this collaboration is set to evolve further, with plans to introduce sustainability initiatives, enhanced staff benefits, and cutting-edge technology integrations, all aimed at enriching the overall customer experience.?This partnership highlights both organisations' shared commitment to enriching customers' lifestyles.

KQ Signs MoU with London Metropolitan University

On 21st February 2025, we signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with London Metropolitan University, paving the way for cutting-edge aviation education. Signed by our Group MD and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, Prof. Julie Hall, and Dr. Dusty Alahakoon from London Metropolitan, this partnership will upskill talent, enhance career growth, and strengthen Africa’s aviation industry.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, our Group MD and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka,?underscored the transformative impact of this collaboration. He emphasised our dedication to innovation, excellence, and human capital development. By investing in education and skills development, we are empowering our employees and shaping the future of aviation in Kenya and beyond.

To uphold high educational standards, Kenya Airways has applied for a tertiary institution license from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), currently under review. In the interim, specialised courses will be available exclusively to KQ employees, with plans to expand training opportunities to the wider public once approval is granted.

The partnership will introduce aviation-focused degree programs, including master’s degrees in Airline & Airport Corporate Management and Aviation Management in the Digital Age, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Airline, Airport & Aviation Management. London Metropolitan University will offer a 70% scholarship for KQ employees and provide essential training resources, workshops, and certifications.

This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation and workforce development, as well as London Metropolitan University’s dedication to global educational initiatives. The MoU signing event gathered key stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of this initiative in shaping the future of aviation through continuous learning and skills development.

EVENTS

KQ Organizes EmpowHer Personal Branding Summit

On 31st January 2025, EmpowHer initiative?kickstarted the year with a Personal Branding Summit at the Pride Centre in Nairobi, under the theme ‘Values-Driven Branding: Be True, Be You.’ The event focused on empowering KQ women to build strong, authentic personal brands aligned with their values.

The summit featured a keynote session on ‘Aligning Values with Your Brand,’ emphasising clarity, consistency, and visibility as key pillars in shaping a professional identity. A panel discussion on brand resilience and adaptability explored how agility and strategic positioning are crucial for long-term success in a dynamic world.

Commenting on this initiative, our Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Hellen Mwariri, who also serves as the EmpowHer Patron, reiterated the initiative’s commitment to supporting women in taking control of their narratives and amplifying their influence within the workplace and beyond.

This summit marked a significant step in our commitment to the growth and development of KQ women, providing them with insights and a clear roadmap for building strong, bold, and future-ready personal brands.

Strengthening Our Commitment to the 'Fly Kenya' Initiative

On 7th?February 2025, we engaged key government stakeholders to facilitate the seamless adoption of the Fly Kenya policy for official government travel. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering strong partnerships, optimising travel management for government officials, and integrating innovative solutions to enhance policy implementation.?

Commenting on this initiative, our Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, emphasised that our objective is to establish ourselves as the preferred partner for government travel and how we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional services, ensuring efficient air travel solutions, and reinforcing our collaboration with the Government of Kenya.

As part of our commitment to government travel, we inaugurated the Asante Executive Hub at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in September 2024. This exclusive travel center is designed to provide government officials with customized solutions, including flexible booking options, competitive fares, priority ticketing, and dedicated customer support.

By strengthening our collaboration with the government, we aim to streamline policy implementation, improve tracking and reporting, and contribute to the growth of our airline while supporting Kenya’s economic development.

Engaging Trade Partners for the 'Fly Kenya' Initiative

Building upon our engagement with government stakeholders, our Kenya Sales team recently hosted a group of trade partners at the Park Inn by Radisson in Nairobi for an insightful session on the implementation of the?Fly Kenya policy. The discussion focused on how travel agents can contribute to the success of this policy and support its seamless rollout.

Leading the session,?Director of Monitoring & Evaluation at the Executive Office of the President, Mathew Rotich,?provided an in-depth overview of the Foreign and Operational Travel Information Management System (FOTIMS)?system. His presentation helped agents understand the rationale behind the Fly Kenya Policy and its broader implications.

We also took the opportunity to showcase the significance of the?Fly Kenya?Policy in driving national growth. The presentation highlighted our vital role in strengthening Kenya’s economy, fostering trade, and expanding connectivity to global markets. To ensure an engaging and productive dialogue,?our General Manager for East, Central, and Southern Africa, Rose Kiseli,?led an interactive session where travel agents shared valuable feedback and insights.

Air Cargo Africa 2025

The Air Cargo Africa 2025 event took place?from 19th to 21st February 2025 at?the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, bringing together global air cargo leaders to discuss innovation, connectivity, and the future of African logistics.

Our Group MD and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, had the distinct honour of inaugurating the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking its highly anticipated return after a 14-year hiatus. In his opening address, he emphasised the need for industry leaders to rethink logistics in Africa. He highlighted that while the continent possesses the necessary resources, talent, and potential, collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions are essential to unlocking new opportunities. With the right infrastructure, policies, and partnerships, Africa can compete effectively on a global scale.

Additionally, our Head, KQ Cargo Commercial, Peter Musola, played a key role in a panel discussion that examined both the challenges and opportunities within African air cargo. The discussion focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and strategies to enhance the continent's position in global air transport.

The event reaffirmed our commitment to driving the transformation of African logistics through innovation and strategic collaboration, ensuring a more connected and competitive future for the region.

Magical Kenya Open 2025

On 12th February 2025, we renewed our partnership with Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) as the official airline partner for the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) 2025, reaffirming our commitment to sports tourism and positioning Kenya as a premier golfing destination.

Commenting on this collaboration, our Group MD and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, highlighted that the partnership with the Magical Kenya Open reflected our commitment to supporting sports tourism in Kenya and it is an?honour to play a role in bringing together world-class golfing talent and enthusiasts to experience Kenya’s rich culture and natural beauty.

The MKO tournament took place from 20th to 23rd February 2025 at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi. As the official airline partner, we facilitated seamless travel for participants, officials, tourists, and spectators, leveraging our extensive global network to connect Nairobi with the world.

During the event, we set up an activation tent that provided an engaging experience, offering guests the opportunity to interact with our products, enjoy exciting activities, and celebrate the sport in a lively atmosphere.

Demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, our Fahari Innovation Hub repurposed used Embraer seat covers into stylish laptop sleeves and bags, crafted by local artisans. Additionally, guests explored our exclusive Kenya Airways merchandise, taking home unique keepsakes representing the Pride of Africa.?

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

KQ Achieves Prestigious EASA Part-145 Certification

On 30th January 2025, our aircraft mantainance department,?Kenya Airways Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) received the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 Certification. This milestone signifies our significant leap in meeting global aviation maintenance standards. The certification grants Kenya Airways AMO approval to perform:

• Base Maintenance on Embraer E190 and Boeing 737-700/800/900 aircraft.
• Line Maintenance for Boeing 787-8, Embraer E190, and Boeing 737-700/800/900 models.
• Aircraft Component Maintenance in the C14 category.
• Special Services in category D1 for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

With this approval, we're now authorized to perform heavy and light maintenance, as well as repairs and overhauls on certified components, for European-registered aircraft and other jurisdictions. The globally recognised EASA certification ensures that components maintained by Kenya Airways can be installed on aircraft worldwide.

This achievement underscores our?commitment to world-class maintenance standards, positioning the AMO as a trusted partner in the global aviation industry. The certification opens doors to expanded business opportunities, enabling us to attract and retain maintenance contracts from diverse clients and significantly enhance our revenue streams as we gear to be the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul organization (MRO) of Choice in Africa and Beyond.

KQ COO Recognised Among Top Transformational Leaders

Our Chief Operating Officer (COO), George Kamal, was recently?recognised as one of the Top 10 Transformational Deputy MDs, COOs, and VPs of the Month – January 2025 by The Governance & Business Boardroom. This prestigious recognition highlights his exceptional leadership and his pivotal role in driving operational excellence, innovation and transformation within our organisation.

The award honors visionary leaders who have made significant strides in optimizing operations, fostering a culture of excellence, and demonstrating strategic leadership in their respective industries.

Under his leadership, our company has not only streamlined processes but also embraced new innovations that position Kenya Airways at the forefront of the aviation industry. This recognition is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and reflects the hard work and commitment he brings to his COO role every day.

KQ Recognised as the African Air Cargo Airline of the Year

On 20th February 2025, Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo) was named the?African Air Cargo Airline of the Year at the Air Cargo Africa Conference 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.?This prestigious award, determined by an extensive online voting process conducted by STAT Trade Times, a leading aviation and air cargo publication,?underscores KQ Cargo's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and our pivotal role in driving Africa's cargo industry.

Speaking at the award ceremony, our Director for KQ Cargo,?Mr. Dickson Murianki, highlighted how it was?an honour?to receive the award, especially here in Nairobi, as we hosted the Air Cargo Africa Conference in Kenya for the first time. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire cargo team.?

With Africa at the heart of our operations, KQ Cargo remains focused on delivering innovative, efficient, and reliable cargo solutions that fuel trade and economic growth across the continent and beyond. Our strategic vision is now set on accelerated growth, leveraging our extensive network that spans 20 countries across three continents.

Key initiatives include expanding freighter operations, enhancing capacity, and forging stronger partnerships. These efforts will solidify KQ Cargo's position as Africa's preferred air cargo provider. The recent expansion of the freighter network, coupled with a continuous drive for operational excellence, ensures that Kenya Airways Cargo is leading the way in shaping the future of African air cargo.

FREQUENCY & TRAVEL UPDATES

Freetown

Starting 31st March 2025, we?will introduce an additional flight on the Nairobi-Accra-Freetown route. The additional?flight increases the frequency from 4x weekly to 5x weekly, thus offering you more travel options and?flexibility.

Monrovia

Starting 31st March 2025, Kenya Airways?will operate an?additional flight on?our Nairobi-Accra-Monrovia route, increasing?our flights from 3x weekly to 4x weekly. Enjoy enhanced connectivity with more travel options.

London

Fly to London Heathrow onboard the Dreamliner, offering you world-class amenities and unparalleled comfort. Enjoy spacious seating with extra legroom and the exceptional service that will make your journey unforgettable.

Jet Byte: Did You Know?

That during a three-hour flight, your body can lose up to 1 litre of water?

During a three-hour flight, your body can lose up to one litre of water due to the dry cabin air. At cruising altitude, humidity levels drop to 10-20%, much lower than the 40-60% found on the ground. This dry environment accelerates moisture loss, leading to dehydration.

To stay comfortable and hydrated, drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Next time you travel, remember to hydrate!

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

Editors: Alice Mwanza?&?Raymond Kigai.