Kenya Airways (KQ) and RwandAir (WB) have announced reaching their intent of forming a strategic partnership and stronger relations between the two airlines. This will greatly benefit both parties as well as their extensive clientele. Kenya Airways currently offers 4 flights per day between Kigali and Nairobi with a wide network available to the rest of the world. RwandAir is flying to Nairobi 3 times daily and also serves Mombasa from its base in Kigali. The combined flights will offer more choice to passengers and better connectivity at the Nairobi hub.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Titus Naikuni stated: “In line with our strategy to exploit the untapped economic potential of the African continent, this partnership with RwandAir allows us, together with our colleagues in African aviation, to further strengthen and enhance our services and network.”

RwandAir Chairman, Girma Wake commented: “We’re pleased to have agreed to this cooperation intent with Kenya Airways. We can now offer more choice for passengers who wish to travel to Rwanda where tourism, trade and investment are on the rise. It is important that we provide the right infrastructure together with partner airlines.”

The collaboration promises to also strengthen the areas of cargo, maintenance and flight training. Already, RwandAir is using the brand new flight simulators of Kenya Airways to train its pilots.

Benefits for the consumer will initially be felt through improved synergies in the form of scheduling and passenger handling, however, additional value will become apparent as the relationship evolves with further refinement of reservation systems as well as a frequent flyer partnership between the two companies.

The finer details of this strategic cooperation will be mapped out in various agreements which the airlines are currently reviewing for finalisation.