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Kenya Airways, Air Europa seal deal for more flights to Europe

A Kenya Airways plane. (Photo: Nicolas Economou/ NurPhoto/ AFP)

By Albert Mwazighe | Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Kenya Airways passengers can now fly on Air Europa routes, specifically to Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, New York, and Miami.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed a codeshare agreement with Spanish Airlines Air Europa, to allow passengers from Kenya to fly to parts of Europe and the USA with ease.

The national carrier will deploy its codes on four Air Europa routes, specifically from Amsterdam to Madrid, Madrid to Palma de Mallorca, Madrid to New York, and Miami, allowing Kenya Airways passengers to access these destinations seamlessly.

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"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," noted Martin Gitonga, Kenya Airways' head of network planning and alliances.

“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 will place its code on the Kenya Airways Amsterdam-Nairobi flight, enabling Air Europa passengers to fly to Nairobi from Amsterdam seamlessly.

"This alliance allows us to significantly expand our reach in a region with growing demand, which will certainly be of great benefit to our customers," noted Estelle Leray, Air Europa's director of alliances.

Under the agreement, passengers will enjoy benefits such as the purchase of a single ticket, a single check-in, and connections with minimum waiting times.

The move comes a week before the national carrier relaunches its direct flights to Mogadishu, Somalia - on February 15, 2024.

The re-established route, operating three times a week initially with potential for daily flights, signifies the restoration of air travel between the two East African nations after a temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 50 cargo companies stand to benefit significantly, with Kenya Airways initially handling 15 tonnes of cargo weekly, with potential for further growth. This aligns with the airline's commitment to fostering collaboration and mutual benefit between the two nations.