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Friday, March 29, 2013

►► KENYA: Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways sign partnership deal; KQ to launch 3x weekly Abu Dhabi flights from July.

Kenya Airways
[UPDATE 29 MARCH] Etihad Airways(EY), has signed a strategic commercial partnership agreement with Kenya Airways (KQ), which will see Etihad Airways placing its EY code on Kenya Airways flights while Kenya Airways will place its KQ code on Etihad Airways’ daily service from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi and, subject to government approval, onto Etihad various other routes.

As part of the reciprocal codeshare agreement, Kenya Airways will also launch a new three times a week service between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi from mid-summer 2013. This will give passengers improved connections and greater choice.

The agreement also paves the way for greater collaboration between the airlines on the joint procurement of services for ground handling, line and heavy maintenance, training and cargo operations. 

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: 

James HoganThe partnership agreement with Kenya Airways is in line with our strategy of forming alliances with airlines around the world to enhance our network and marketing reach. This agreement will also allow both airlines to benefit from cost savings achieved through synergies and economies of scale.

Last year we launched new services to Tripoli, Nairobi and Lagos, and over the last five years we have more than doubled our services to Africa, reflecting the increasing importance of the continent. During the same period we have flown nearly three million passengers between Africa and the UAE, and key destinations across our network.
Dr. Titus Naikuni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Airways, said: 
Dr. Titus NaikuniThe new codeshare partnership with Etihad Airways is a significant strengthening of the global network of both airlines, which provides more choice to all our passengers. As part of the agreement we are looking for greater collaboration and coordination on cargo operations, training and procurement opportunities which will make us more cost efficient and customer responsive.
Source [Etihad Airways]

The codeshare agreement with Kenyan Airways brings to 42 the number of Etihad Airways codeshare partners.

[UPDATE 29 MARCH] Kenya Airways has released its planned schedule for 3x weekly direct flights to Abu Dhabi effective 01JUL13.

Kenya Airways (KQ): Nairobi - Abu Dhabi.
-EFF 01JUL13
  • KQ316 NBO1925 – 0105+1AUH 738 135
  • KQ317 AUH0205 – 0555NBO 738 246
Source [Amadeus]