Kenya Airways, Delta deal eases flying in the US

Passengers flying Kenya Airways #ticker:KQ to the US can now connect to 11 cities in America after the national carrier activated its code-share with Delta Airlines.

The move, which opens seamless travel in the US and Canada, will see difficulties in connecting to other American cities reduce once in New York.

“The arrangement will enable both the business and leisure travellers to enjoy greater connectivity and efficiency in 11 US cities and four Canadian cities,” said KQ chief executive Sebastian Mikosz.

Mr Mikosz said the arrangement is an opportunity for travellers to connect from New York, using the direct flight from Nairobi, to other cities within the US and Canada, opening many more opportunities at more competitive fares.

“As part of our commitment to the New York route, we are proud to be a part of this partnership that will open up opportunities for our customers to access more destinations in North America through the John F. Kennedy Airport,” he said.

The CEO said the New York route continues to be a strategic route for Kenya Airways that is committed to it as it gears up for Summer 2019, which is a high-flying season.

Mr Mikosz said Kenya Airways will increase its frequency to New York in June from five days a week to seven.

“This is expected to open more opportunities for travellers to take advantage of this route during this high season,” he said. The code-share agreement is also in line with Kenya Airways’ broader strategy to assert its presence and expand connectivity across Africa while opening opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.

In October last year, the airline launched daily direct flights from Nairobi to New York.

It, however, it cut down the frequency to five as demand on the route was low.