Kenya Airways to add flights

Flying to Africa is set to get more exciting. Kenya Airways, which flies Mumbai-Nairobi, is looking to introduce a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the route in 2014.

Besides, KQ (the official moniker for the airline) plans to expand presence in India in a big way by increasing frequencies from Mumbai and Delhi, perhaps this year, and adding other destinations over the next few years.

“KQ operates from 56 destinations across the globe and with the acquisition of new aircraft we hope to expand our operations substantially to Europe and within Africa. India and China are particularly our focus as they are growing markets,” chief executive officer of KQ, Titus Naikuni, told DNA.

“India is without doubt a focus area for KQ. We are hoping to double our frequency from Mumbai and Delhi. The Dreamliner boasts of the latest technology in the industry and a distinctly upgraded flying experience. We are very excited about it,” said Bennet Stephens, KQ’s area manager - India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Media reports in Nairobi claimed KQ is planning to open six new destinations in India and China each, but Stephens did not confirm it. “Other destinations from India are on the anvil but not in the immediate future,” he said.

Kenya Airways welcomes A Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Nairobi

Kenya Airways this week welcomed Boeing's 787 Dreamliner to Jomo Kenyatta airport in Nairobi as part of the new aircraft's international tour.

The plane touched down in Kenya's capital city following a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

It was welcomed by Kenya Airways staff and management, as well as special guests and trade minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere.

The airline has placed a firm order for nine 787 Dreamliners and has an option to take four more.

It will use the aircraft to replace the ageing Boeing 767s in its fleet and support its plans to open up new long-haul flight routes.

Dr Titus Naikuni, chief executive of Kenya Airways, said the new liner will play an important part in the company's mission to become the carrier of choice connecting Africa to the rest of the world.

'The 787 Dreamliner fits well with our expansion strategy, giving us an opportunity to expand our markets beyond the current offering,' he added.

Airlines cancel flights to Addis Abba

Three airlines operating out of Entebbe International Airport to Ethiopia temporarily cancelled flights following the suspension of the use of the country’s airspace and that of Eritrea.

The affected airlines include; Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and Kenyan Airways which fly to Addis Abba. Ethiopia and Eritrea have suspended flights over their airspaces according to Mr Ignie Igundura, the spokesman of Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Volcanic eruption
The suspension came on the back of the ash cloud formed by the eruption of a volcanic mountain in Eritrea at the weekend.
The cloud which could cause airlines to crash due to poor visibility, spread from Eritrea to Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Egypt, according to the BBC.

Despite the cancellation of flights, Mr Igundura told Daily Monitor that business at Entebbe Airport had not been severely affected.

“We have flights like Emirates that have been affected. You can call them to find out what they are doing about it,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Mr Igundura was not sure of when the suspension would be lifted to allow airlines to resume flights to or over Ethiopia. “You cannot know because it’s a natural disaster. It’s difficult to tell,” he said.

Despite the disruption, airlines such as Brussels which do not fly over Ethiopia, continued with their flights to Europe.
“We haven’t been affected, our operations are going on smoothly,” Mr Roger Wamara, the sales and marketing manager Brussels Airlines in Uganda, said.

By last evening, Ethiopian Airlines had also resumed flights to Djibouti but not to other affected markets brining hope to some disturbed travellers.

“The volcanic ash cloud in the Northern part of Ethiopia is clearing.

Kenya Airways Resumes Flights to Abidjan !

Kenya Airways resumed scheduled flights to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, after a month’s absence due to the political skirmishes that had rocked the country.
The Kenyan National Airline resumes the route with three flights a week linked with Dakar starting 2nd May 2011 operating on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Kenya Airways flights to Abidjan/Dakar were re routed Accra, Ghana on 1st April due to security reasons. But as a result of the improved political and security situation in Cote d’ivoire, Abidjan flights have been reinstated. Kenya Airways flies daily to Dakar, 3 times a week via Abidjan and 4 times a week via Bamako Mali.