Strategic Partnership Between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways
Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways have entered into a significant strategic partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement outlines their intention to collaborate on various aspects of airline operations, including extensive code-sharing on each other’s networks. The partnership is expected to enhance connectivity between Kenya and Qatar Airways’ Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, and expand flight options for travelers.
The MoU was signed in Doha during a ceremony attended by key executives from both airlines. Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, and Mr. Allan Kilavuka, Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways Group, were present at the event. The collaboration will see Qatar Airways introduce a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, operating under a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways. These flights are anticipated to be available for booking shortly.
In addition to the new frequency, the partnership will also include the launch of Kenya Airways-operated and Qatar Airways-marketed flights between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season. Both airlines will engage in extensive code-sharing across their networks, offering seamless connections and more travel choices for passengers worldwide.
Expanding Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
Beyond the code-sharing initiative, the partnership will explore further cooperation in several areas, including airport and ground services, loyalty programs, procurement, cargo, and maintenance. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen the operational synergy between the two airlines and improve service quality for customers.
Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating that it reflects the airline’s deepening relationships with the African region. He noted that the agreement comes as Qatar Airways celebrates 20 years of flying to Kenya. Additionally, he mentioned the airline’s recent investment in Airlink, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the growth of the aviation and economic ecosystem in Africa.
Mr. Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it aligns with Kenya Airways’ robust turnaround strategy. The airline recently returned to profitability for the first time in over a decade, and this collaboration is expected to accelerate efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities. These initiatives are seen as vital drivers of economic growth for Kenya and the broader East African region.
Recognition and Expansion of Services
The MoU signing follows Kenya Airways’ recent recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. For the fourth consecutive year, Kenya Airways was awarded multiple prestigious titles, including Africa’s Leading Airline 2025, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2025, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand 2025, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine 2025 (Msafiri).
Qatar Airways, which holds the distinction of being the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East, continues to expand its network across Africa. As the reigning World’s Best Airline according to Skytrax in 2025, the airline offers over 170 weekly flights to nearly 30 cities in Africa. In the past year, Qatar Airways has optimized its schedule in most African destinations to improve connectivity to key locations such as Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York, and Washington through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.
