AS part of its 10-year strategy, Kenya Airways plans to connect Africa through Nairobi, to North America (US and Canada), South America and Australia. The 10-year growth plan codenamed Project Mawingu – from the Swahili word for clouds – is aimed at operating 119 aircraft, representing a significant increase from its current fleet of 42. It is likewise aimed at increasing its destinations from 58 to 115 routes in 77 countries in six continents by 2021.
Abraham Joseph, regional general manager, South Asia, Middle East and North Africa, says: “The Middle East has seen considerable growth in aviation in the last few years. Currently, we offer 10 weekly flights from Dubai to Nairobi, with excellent connections to the rest of Africa. We also have three weekly flights from Dubai to Hong Kong, with immediate connections to Manila and other South East and Far East destinations.”
The airline recently started Jeddah and Abu Dhabi and signed a code share agreement with Etihad. The 10-year plan will see a significant increase in new aircraft and planning a sizeable freighter aircraft fleet expansion. To facilitate its route and fleet development, Kenya Airways estimates it will need approximately $3.7 billion in financing over the next five years. Over the next 10 years, the carrier plans to launch seven new routes into China, six in the Indian Subcontinent and three across North and Southeast Asia.