Kenya Airways (KQ) is gearing up to meet growing demand by ramping up its weekly flights to New York, introducing two additional flights during the summer peak season from June 15th to September 28th, 2024. Since its inception in 2018, the direct route between New York and Nairobi has proven instrumental in connecting East Africa to the rest of the world, facilitating both business and leisure travel.
The expanded schedule not only enhances accessibility but also offers travellers a convenient same-day arrival option, with morning departures from Nairobi and afternoon arrivals in New York. With this augmentation, the total number of weekly flights to New York rises to nine, with Thursday and Saturday featuring dual flight options for travellers, providing even greater flexibility. This move comes in response to escalating demand, as evidenced by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s report of a significant increase in international tourist arrivals into Kenya. With 1.75 million arrivals recorded in 2023—a surge from 1.48 million in 2022—Kenya anticipates an annual boost of 825,000 international tourists.
The positive momentum isn’t confined to tourism alone; Kenya Airways has also seen a remarkable turnaround in its financial performance. Posting a notable operating profit of KES998 million in the first half of 2023—an impressive 120% improvement over the same period the previous year—Kenya Airways has witnessed substantial growth across key metrics. Passenger numbers surged by 43% to reach 2.3 million, while revenue soared by 56% to KSH.75 billion. Additionally, gross profit saw a remarkable increase of 131%.
To further capitalize on this upward trajectory, Kenya Airways has forged a strategic partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to promote Kenya as a premier tourist destination in North America. This collaboration includes a trade roadshow scheduled from March 19th to 21st, 2024, in New York, Boston, and Toronto. The roadshow aims to showcase Kenya’s diverse attractions and foster increased travel interest in the region. As Kenya Airways continues to expand its network and strengthen partnerships, it remains at the forefront of driving tourism growth and bolstering Kenya’s position as a leading global destination.
