On 1 July, Qatar Airways announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya Airways. This confirms their intention to develop into a strategic partnership, which involves codesharing programmes, increased flights, and more.
Strategic Partnership Expanding to Regional Markets
As the world’s leading airline, winning multiple awards in consecutive years, Qatar, signing an MoU with Kenya Airways, marks its ambitions to expand into the East African aviation market. The group’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, further confirms the airline’s ambitions:
“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.”
Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways’ Group Managing Director and CEO, mentioned that as the airline returns to profit in a decade earlier this year, this new collaboration would help pivot economic growth in the area. They hope that this could boost tourism and air cargo activities for both Kenya and the broader East African region.
The coming strategic partnership would include a codeshare agreement, which introduces a daily flight connecting Doha and Nairobi, starting this winter. Further collaborations will be to come in cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement, and maintenance, repair and overhaul, according to the airlines.
World’s leading airline: What’s next?
Qatar has taken the throne as 2025’s best airline recently, as the Skytrax rewards results were released. Their continuous push for excellence in route development, in-flight offerings, as well as other aspects, demonstrates ambition and a commitment to be the benchmark of a world-leading airline.
Qatar has won Skytrax’s ‘World’s Best Airline’ title for nine consecutive years now, with continuous breakthroughs. Will they be able to secure this title for a decade with further consolidation and expansion into regional markets?
What do you think about Qatar’s new strategic partnership? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
