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By Chinelo Obogo
Kenya Airways has said that it is open to entering into strategic partnerships and Special Prorate Agreement with Nigerian airlines.
Speaking during a press conference at its office in Lagos this week, the airline’s regional manager for America and West Africa, Ngamau Stephen, said Kenya Airways is looking forward to collaborations with Nigerian airlines which he said will enhance domestic and regional connectivity and provide seamless travel options for passengers within and outside Nigeria.
Stephen also disclosed that two years ago, it launched ‘Asante’, a frequent flyer program designed to reward its most loyal passengers and that Nigeria was among the first market to experience the rollout. He said since the inception of the program to date, its top frequent fliers have come from Nigeria, an indication of how large and important the Nigerian market is.
He said due to the improvement of its economic situation and the increase in passenger traffic by 10,000 between year 2023 and 2024, it increased its flight frequency to Lagos from seven to 10 weekly flights in 2024, which translates to a 21 percent capacity increase. He also said that there are plans to add even more frequencies which would provide even more flexibility and convenience for travellers, and reinforce its dedication to the Nigerian market.
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Speaking on the trapped funds which many international airlines grappled with, Stephen said the federal government has cleared the money meant for Kenya Airways and that at the moment, the airline has no outstanding funds trapped in Nigeria. He then thanked the government for creating an enabling environment for airlines to thrive.
“Kenya Airways appreciates the efforts of the Nigeria government in facilitating the repatriation of airline funds. The government’s commitment to resolving key challenges in the aviation sector fosters a condusive environment for airlines to thrive. We look forward to leveraging this positive momentum to expand our operations and enhance service delivery,” Stephen said.
Speaking on Kenya’s new visa regime, Stephen said the Kenyan government has implementing a visa waiver policy for most African countries, including Nigeria, adding that the move strengthens regional integration and fosters smoother travel within Africa.
“To promote tourism and leisure travel, Kenya Airways is introducing attractive stopover packages in Nairobi. These offerings will allow passengers explore Kenya’s rich culture, wildlife and scenic landscapes while in transit, further enhancing the overall travel experience,” he explained.
Stephen also announced the introduction of London Gatwick as its second gateway to the United Kingdom, adding that the expansion enhances the airline’s service offerings, providing passengers with more travel options between Africa and the UK while complementing its existing operations at London Heathrow.
