Uhuru deal paves way for KQ to launch Abuja flights

President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed a deal with Nigeria that will allow Kenya Airways to fly direct to Abuja, deepening the carrier’s drive to connect more cities in Africa to Asia and Europe.

The review of bilateral air services between the two countries is expected to boost trade and tourism by easing movement. Kenya Airways already serves Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, with daily flights and now it has rights to start flights to Abuja, the administrative capital.

West Africa, especially Nigeria, has proved to be a marketable destination for the airline where it connects passengers, mainly traders, through Nairobi to other destinations especially China and Dubai.

The airline has been investing in the underserved West African market as part of its growth plan in Africa.

The continent accounts for 51 per cent of KQ’s revenue and remained buoyant during the last financial year when the airline saw passenger numbers from other markets drop, leading to a Sh7.8 billion loss.

The carrier’s growth strategy hinges on connecting African cities to Europe and Asia through its Nairobi hub.

However, Kenya Airways has not indicated plans to start flights to Abuja soon, according to the airline’s 10-year strategic plan, Project Mawingu.

The two governments also signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them work together in tourism promotion. The agreements were signed when President Kenyatta meet his counterpart President Goodluck Jonathan at State House Abuja.

(Read: Kenya, Nigeria sign deals to boost trade)

“Nigeria has a large middle class population, which would enjoy the numerous tourist attractions in Kenya. We want to see Nigerians stopping in Kenya for business and tourism not just transiting through Nairobi,” said Mr Kenyatta.

“Whereas I am encouraged by the growth of trade between our two countries, the potential for investment and trade is still largely under exploited,” he said.