Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a wide-ranging Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that paves the way for a new strategic partnership, with plans extending beyond passenger code-sharing to include collaboration in air cargo, maintenance and other operational areas.
The agreement, signed in Doha by Qatar Airways Group chief executive Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group managing director and chief executive Allan Kilavuka, signals the intent to strengthen air connectivity between East Africa and the Middle East, while also exploring synergies in areas such as cargo logistics, ground handling, and MRO.
Under the new partnership, Qatar Airways will add a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, operated in codeshare with Kenya Airways. The carriers will also launch a new Kenya Airways-operated route between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season, which Qatar Airways will market. Code-sharing across both networks will offer passengers improved connection options globally.
Beyond passenger services, the MoU outlines a commitment to explore cooperation in cargo services, airport and ground operations, loyalty programs, and procurement. A key element of the agreement is the intention to deepen collaboration in MRO, an area where both airlines see potential for mutual benefit as they expand operations and seek efficiencies.
Qatar Airways currently serves 30 cities across Africa with more than 170 weekly flights and has recently adjusted schedules on several African routes to better connect with key global markets via its Doha hub. Kenya Airways, meanwhile, continues to receive industry recognition, most recently being named Africa’s Leading Airline for the fourth year in a row by the World Travel Awards.
The expanded partnership underscores both carriers’ ambitions to build a more integrated and resilient aviation network between Africa and the Middle East, with a growing emphasis on cargo logistics and operational cooperation.
Al-Meer said: “This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement – which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya – is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.”
Kilavuka said: “This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways’ return to profit for the first time in more than a decade earlier this year. The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East Africa region.”
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