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Lufthansa Group expands its presence in East Africa

The Lufthansa Group has increased its routes within the East African region. (AFP)

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter | 09 Apr 2024

Lufthansa's holistic approach embodies its unwavering dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in East Africa.

The Lufthansa Group has announced its expansion in the African air transport market, with a focus on East Africa.

In an interview with Airways, Kevin Markette, the general manager for the company in East Africa who has been tasked with overseeing operations and market expansion in the region, expressed his enthusiasm for the warm welcome he received in East Africa and the diverse experiences he has had in the region.

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The Lufthansa Group has increased its routes within the East African region, with plans for further expansion in 2024. On June 3, 2024, Brussels Airlines will relaunch a direct connection between Belgium and Kenya.

Markette elaborates on the remarkable surge in flight operations, highlighting the expansion trajectory.

"A year ago, Lufthansa had five flights a week into Nairobi. This summer, we will add six flights a week by Brussels Airlines (SN)," he reveals.

The leisure segment also receives a significant boost, with enhanced frequencies to popular destinations such as Mombasa, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro. Lufthansa's proactive stance in catering to the burgeoning leisure and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) markets underscores its adaptability and market acumen.

"We are very proud to have that connection, extending onto Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro," asserts Markette, emphasising the airline's role as a facilitator of tourism and cultural exchange.

Beyond leisure travel, Lufthansa acknowledges the burgeoning corporate demand in key cities like Kigali and Entebbe. By bolstering flight frequencies and ensuring seamless connectivity, the airline aims to cater to the diverse needs of its clientele, comprising European, American, and African passengers.

Markette further elucidates the strategic significance of Lufthansa's operations in East Africa, citing the airline's unique positioning and competitive edge.

"We maintain a daily flight into Entebbe, Uganda, with Brussels Airlines, and we also have direct flights by Brussels Airlines to Kigali, which will increase from five flights a week to daily flights from the beginning of June," he states, underscoring the unparalleled accessibility offered by Lufthansa.

In addition to established routes, Lufthansa is pioneering new frontiers, as evidenced by its presence in Bujumbura, Burundi. As the only European carrier operating two flights a week into Bujumbura, Lufthansa remains undeterred by challenges and steadfast in its commitment to expanding its footprint in the region.

Lufthansa's holistic approach embodies its unwavering dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in East Africa. With a trifecta of airlines—Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, and Edelweiss Air—spreading the charge, the future of aviation in East Africa appears resplendent with promise.