Kenya Airways is set to launch direct flights from its Nairobi hub to China this year on its new Boeing 777-300ER, as it leverages off growing Sino-African relations.
From 19 November the airline will begin flying its new aircraft non-stop three times a week between Nairobi and Guangzhou – China’s third largest city and a key hub of the country’s southern region. At the moment, Kenya Airways flies to Guangzhou via Bangkok, daily.
Kenya Airways’ Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Titus Naikuni, said that the new direct flights to Guangzhou would facilitate interaction between the two regions by opening up Africa to China through its connections from Nairobi. The airline flies to over 40 destinations in Africa.
“China has emerged as a key trading partner for Africa. Our direct flights to Guangzhou seek to build on this relationship in order to make a contribution towards sustainable development of Africa,” Dr Naikuni added.
The direct flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays departing from Nairobi just after midnight, while maintaining the current flights to Guangzhou via Bangkok of four times a week.