Emirates and Kenya Airways have joined forces in a strategic interline partnership, aimed at expanding the travel options available to customers on both airlines. This collaboration allows passengers to access a broader range of destinations across the two airlines’ extensive route networks, facilitating seamless connections and enhancing overall travel experiences. The interline agreement also includes the convenience of hassle-free baggage check-in throughout the journey.
Emirates customers can now enjoy the opportunity to fly to 28 destinations on Kenya Airways’ network, utilizing Nairobi as a key gateway to various regional African points such as Nampula, Bangui, Bujumbara, Kigali, Dzaoudzi, Lubumbashi, Kinshasa, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Zanzibar, and many more. Additionally, through a bilateral interline arrangement, Emirates passengers traveling via Dubai can book single-ticket itineraries to or from Mombasa, a popular leisure destination in Kenya.
In a similar vein, Kenya Airways passengers departing from Nairobi and Mombasa will have seamless access to Emirates’ extensive network. They can now connect effortlessly via Dubai to 23 destinations across West and South Asia, the Far East, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East. These destinations include prominent cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Ahmedabad, Beirut, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul, and others.
Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, expressed delight at establishing their first partnership with Kenya Airways, emphasizing the strategic importance of Kenya within their African network. This interline agreement is poised to enhance connectivity for Emirates customers, providing them with a broader range of travel options across the continent. Kazim also highlighted the prospect of deepening the relationship with Kenya Airways, which will open up even greater network opportunities and improve connections for both airlines’ customers.
Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer of Kenya Airways, spoke about the significance of the partnership in expanding connectivity between Africa and the Middle East through Emirates’ hub in Dubai. Thairu stressed the importance of such collaborations, which leverage mutual scale and efficiencies to offer customers seamless travel options.
Emirates’ operations in Kenya began in 1995 with flights between Nairobi and Dubai. Over the years, the airline has steadily expanded its services, currently operating 14 weekly flights and having flown over 5 million passengers on the route. Notably, Emirates is the only airline serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins, providing premium customers with an exceptional travel experience.
Kenya Airways has recently introduced direct flights between Mombasa and Dubai, offering passengers four weekly flights. This new service from Moi International Airport in Mombasa represents the airline’s second hub, in addition to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, connecting passengers directly to the UAE. Kenya Airways currently operates ten weekly flights to Dubai from Nairobi, utilizing a combination of the B737-800 and Dreamliner B787-800 aircraft.
