South African Airways and Kenya Airways have entered into a strategic partnership with each other, with the aim of establishing a pan-African airline carrier.
Ikeanumba understands that a Strategic Partnership Framework was signed earlier this week by both parties. This came on the backdrop of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent state visit to South Africa to discuss bilateral business relations in the areas of trade, tourism and aviation.
The strategic partnership will enable both Kenya Airways and South African Airways to leverage each other’s viability, working together to increase cargo opportunities and passenger traffic whilst facilitating trade.
“This cooperation aligns with Kenya Airways’ core purpose of contributing to the sustainable development of Africa and is based on mutual benefits. It will increase connectivity through passenger traffic, cargo opportunities while enhancing the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA),” explained Kenya Airways board chairman, Michael Joseph.
It should be recalled that during a workshop hosted by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) a few months ago, Kenya Airways and South African Airways hinted at a consolidation between themselves. The partnership is expected to help both airlines to improve their financials, possibly ending the losing-streak they’ve both recorded in recent years.
