Kenya: Kenya Airways explores hotel partnerships in growth strategy

Kenya Airways aims to enhance its profitability by introducing three new routes to its destination offerings next year.

As part of its new strategy, the airline is exploring potential collaborations with established multinational hotel chains to shape its growth strategy.

In addition to the forthcoming resumption of direct flights to Mogadishu, Somalia, in February next year, Kenya Airways (KQ) has scheduled new routes to Gaborone in Botswana and Maputo in Mozambique.

Kenya Airways, chief commercial and customer officer, Julius Thairu, noted that the introduction of the airlines will play a key role in KQs journey back to profitability.

“The new routes to Gaborone and Maputo will begin in June and December 2024. Our growth is more focused on where we believe there is opportunity for growth,” said Thairu.

The national carrier is expanding its operations by reinstating previous routes and introducing new ones.

KQ will ply the route five times a week. The route will provide travellers from Africa with convenient connections via Nairobi to the popular tourist destination in Thailand.

The route, reinstated as part of KQ’s economic recovery strategy, was launched in 2003 but suspended in 2020 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

In a recent move, the carrier and Serena Hotels announced a new partnership for members of their respective loyalty programs, Asante Rewards and Serena Prestige Club, with a range of benefits to make their travel experiences “richer and more rewarding.”

The collaboration between Serena Hotels and Kenya Airways will harness the strengths of both entities, providing a seamless fusion of exclusive privileges for travelers. Elite Plus Platinum and Gold members of Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards will receive lifetime Platinum status in Serena Loyalty Program’s Prestige Club. Similarly, Silver Elite Asante members will now be entitled to Gold status in Serena Prestige Club.

Participants in both programs will benefit from discounted opportunities on food, beverages, accommodation, and flights.

 The Asante Rewards program by Kenya Airways, introduced earlier this year, serves as a token of appreciation for customer loyalty.