Airline to operate two times a week through Cotonou, Benin

June 21, 2011 … Kenya Airways has now commenced flights to its 54th destination, N’djamena in Chad.

The new route which will operate via Cotonou, the capital of Benin, will see Kenya Airways strengthen its presence in Central Africa, a landlocked geographical territory that depends largely on imports.

The airline will operate the route with a wide-body Boeing 737 – 800, 2 times a week every Sunday and Wednesday out of Nairobi.

“We are seeking to consolidate our presence in the African market by flying from every Capital in Africa by 2013. Our objective this year is to open 8 new destinations including N’djamena,” said Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Dr. Titus Naikuni.

 

Dr. Naikuni added that Kenya Airways was seeking to diversify its route network throughout Africa in order to tap into the unique opportunities in this very diverse continent.

“Most countries in Central Africa including Chad are landlocked and thus have limited import-export opportunities. However, they represent an important trade corridor to the lucrative West African market where Kenya Airways already has a strong presence,” said Dr. Naikuni.

Dr. Naikuni noted that the aviation experts had singled out the African market as ripe for growth citing the need for fast, reliable and safe transport in the context of infrastructure challenges facing many of them. 

Kenya Airways has also announced plans to increase frequency of flights to Juba, Southern Sudan. Effective 1st July, the airline will fly twice daily to the Juba to meet the growing demand for business travel to the region. 

 

The carrier is in advanced stages of preparation to commence flights to the West African city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.

“We are opening up Africa to a world of opportunity. Other markets around the world are already saturated and more airlines are increasing their presence in Africa as it is the new business frontier,” concluded Naikuni.