National carrier Kenya Airways plans to increase its presence in new markets to boost its revenues.
On Monday the carrier and American firm Delta Airlines announced a partnership expansion which will see customers get additional travel options within Africa and the US.
Kenya Airways hopes to leverage on its direct flights to US to boost its fortunes.
KQ currently operates a daily direct Nairobi to New York flight, the only one from East Africa.
The airline's MD and CEO, Allan Kilavuka said the codeshare agreement will enable a seamless connectivity to those visiting Africa through JFK and KQ’s Nairobi hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
“The expansion of the codeshare is historic as it not only allows KQ to expand its footprint in the US but is also significant because it provides seamless connectivity on a single ticket for those travelling for business, leisure or studies into the US,” said Kenya Airways MD and CEO Allan Kilavuka.
Kenya Airways (KQ) is among several State entities that the Treasury denied funding in the 2023-2024 financial year ahead of restructuring.
In a joint statement, the two airlines announced that from August 5, 2023, they increased customers' travel options to more than 31 destinations in Africa and 57 cities across the US and Canada.
Kilavuka said the partnership will enhance connectivity between US and Africa and offer the KQ product directly through its American partner.
This KQ - Delta deal follows another one with Emirates last month that allows passengers to use a single ticket and baggage policy, in a deal likely to boost the fortunes of Kenya’s national carrier.
Delta has been operating nonstop service between Africa to the United States since 2006 and currently operates flights from Accra, Ghana; Dakar, Senegal; Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, Lagos, Nigeria.
Delta’s President Alain Bellemare, said through the partnership the airlines will be able to serve the growing number of travellers between Kenya and US.
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