Business

Kenya Airways expands cargo operations with direct flights to UAE, Somalia

A Kenya Airways plane. (Photo: File)

By Amina Wako | Thursday, February 8, 2024

KQ Cargo has joined forces with Global GSA Cargo LLC, a renowned global cargo sales and service agent based in the UAE, as its cargo logistics partner for this significant route.

Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo) has announced the expansion of its route network to include direct cargo flights to Sharjah in the UAE and Mogadishu in Somalia.

Weekly operations begin on February 9, 2024, with plans underway to increase frequencies to twice a week by April 2024.

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KQ Cargo has joined forces with Global GSA Cargo LLC, a renowned global cargo sales and service agent based in the UAE, as its cargo logistics partner for this significant route.

The recent addition of a B737-800F freighter to KQ Cargo's fleet has augmented its freighter capacities, offering an extended range that connects vital cargo hubs and opens up new opportunities for cargo services to meet the evolving demands of the market.

KQ Cargo Director Dick Murianki noted that the expansion aligns with KQ's overarching mission to propel Africa's prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets.

Further noting the existence of underserved markets that need a solid product, Murianki said a direct service complemented by Dubai's trader, transit, humanitarian, and project-driven traffic is important.

"The direct route between the UAE and Somalia offers huge demand for air freight transportation, particularly high-tech consumer goods, automotive parts, project cargo, and clothing, which are the most frequently flown goods on the route. Kenya Airways has expertise in the region, and our B737-800F's apt capacity would be the ideal mix over the long term."

Kannan Nachiappan, chief executive of Global GSA Cargo LLC, said, "The UAE, being a multimodal logistics hub, acts as a primary gateway to Africa, and having a dedicated KQ Cargo freighter to offer this service helps cut transit times and offer scheduled main deck capacity into several remote destinations across the region."

Nachiappan emphasised the service's significance in covering a market characterised by narrow body-only options, lengthy transit times, and expensive rates.

In addition to the cargo services, KQ will resume direct passenger flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu starting February 15, 2024, further reinforcing the airline's commitment to fostering connectivity and accessibility across the African continent.