In an effort to increase its market share in both Europe and the United States, Kenya Airways (KQ), has entered into a codeshare agreement with the third-biggest Spanish airline, Air Europa.
In a statement seen by The Kenya Times, Kenya Airways noted that the new agreement will allow Air Europa passengers to fly to Nairobi from Amsterdam and also allow KQ guests fly to several other countries.
The national carrier noted that the deal has expanded their customers’ travel options by providing access and convenience as guests will have the option of purchasing a single ticket, check-in and connections with minimum waiting times.
Air Europa’s director of alliance’s Estelle Leray while commenting on the agreement expressed her excitement and affirmed the role it will play in expanding their reach.
“We are very pleased with the partnership we have signed with Kenya Airways. In addition to working with one of the most established and prestigious airlines in Africa, this alliance allows us to significantly expand our reach in the region with growing demand, which will certainly be of great benefit to our customers,” said Estelle Leray.
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Terms of KQ’s New Deal with Air Europa
Under the new agreement, Kenya Airways clients will be able to go to Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, New York, and Miami.
Likewise, Air Europa clients will be able to travel to Nairobi from Amsterdam.
“Kenya Airways will deploy its codes on four Air Europa routes specifically from Amsterdam to Madrid, Madrid to Plama de Mallorca, Madrid to New York, and Miami while Europa will place their code on Kenya Airways Amsterdam to Nairobi flight,” reads the statement in part.
Kenya Airways Head of Network Planning and Alliances Martin Gitonga noted that the partnership will offer guests more convenient travel options to Europe and the US.
“We are excited about this partnership as it will provide our guests with more convenient travel options to Europe and the United States.
“Air Europa has been our partner under the SkyTeam Alliance. This agreement allows us to collaborate more for the mutual benefit of our guests giving them more access and connectivity,” said Martin Gitonga.
Kenya Airways further noted that the agreement reflects its growth in partnership strategy, which was largely restored in 2022.
With its Nairobi hub, Kenya Airways expressed pride to be at the forefront of linking Africa to the World and the World to Africa.
Also, they affirmed their commitment to exploring strategic alliances and partnerships that offer its customers flexibility, choice, and access to destinations worldwide.
Kenya Airways Signs Agreement with South African Airways
On December 28, 2023, Kenya Airways and South African Airways (SAA) inked a codeshare agreement as part of their collaboration.
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According to the terms of the deal, KQ was to operate direct flights from South Africa to South America.
The deal would see customers travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil, from Johannesburg with a single ticket.
This is in comparison to previous routes that sometimes-required transits via the Middle East, Europe, or North America.
Therefore, this deal provides an unequaled connection and gives the most direct route.
Combining the strengths of two of the top African airlines, the strategic collaboration aimed at improving connectivity and upgrading the passenger experience.
The collaboration between Kenya, South Africa and South America was of advantage because it created the most direct link between the two continents.
