Kenya Airlines has had a transformational day with two major strategic partnerships demonstrating the airline's commitment to expanding its global reach and improving the digital experiences of its customers. These contracts between Qatar Airways and Visas show how African airlines can leverage technology and international collaboration to drive growth.
Comprehensive Codeshare Agreements Open New Routes
Kenya Airlines and Qatar Airways have formalized the partnership through a memorandum signed in Doha and established a comprehensive codeshare agreement that expands connectivity between Kenya and Qatar's award-winning Hamad International Airport Hub. This alliance comes as Qatar Airways celebrates 20 years of service to Kenya.
The partnership brought about immediate operational changes, with Qatar Airways starting its third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi on a codeshare with Kenya Airlines. The collaboration will be extended to seasonal operations, with Kenya Airlines planning a flight between Mombasa and Doha during the winter season, which is sold under the Qatar Airways brand.
Alan Kirabuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airlines, highlighted the collaboration with the airline's turnaround strategy. “The partnership is perfectly in line with the airline's robust turnaround strategy, and Kenya Airlines has “returned to profits” for the first time in more than a decade,” he said. The collaboration is expected to boost tourism and air freight activities, which serve as economic growth factors in Kenya and East Africa.
Beyond Flight Operations: Comprehensive Business Collaboration
The partnership covers cargo operations, airport and ground services, loyalty programs, procurement and maintenance services and extends beyond passenger services. This holistic approach reflects successful airline partnership strategies focusing on operational efficiency and cost optimization.
Badr Mohammed Almia, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, highlighted strategic significance within the broader African context. This timing coincides with Kenya Airlines' recent recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards, securing four consecutive honors, including the leading African airlines 2025.
Innovative digital payment partnership with Visa
At the same time, Kenya Airlines announced a strategic co-branding agreement with Visa, introducing innovative payment solutions that change the travel experience while encouraging digital payment adoption in aviation. The partnership reflects the growing trend in adoption of digital financial services across Africa, where mobile-first consumers drive significant changes in payment preferences.
The collaboration introduces co-branded credit and debit cards that offer an expanded rewards program, allowing cardholders to earn points on all purchases and redeem them for flight, upgrades and travel-related services. The card offers exclusive travel perks such as airport lounge access, priority boarding and additional baggage allowances.
Julia Stare, chief commercial and customer officer for Kenya Airways, expressed enthusiasm for technological advancements. “We are thrilled to join forces with Visa to offer the latest digital payment options that will improve every step of the journey from booking to boarding,” he said.
Strategic positioning in competitive markets
Both partnerships strategically position Kenya Airlines within an increasingly competitive market. Qatar Airways' alliance strengthens its career position in the Middle East and global connectivity zone, with the visa partnership at the forefront of African Airlines' fintech innovation.
These moves support Kenya Airlines' financial recovery and report first profits in more than a decade. The partnership represents a diverse range of revenue streams and operational efficiencies that support long-term sustainability goals. The co-branded cards will be released later this year and are working with a wider digital transformation initiative across Kenya's aviation and financial services sector.
The success of these initiatives could serve as a blueprint for other African airlines seeking to expand reach and enhance customer experience through strategic partnerships and technology adoption. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, these collaborations show how operators can leverage partnerships to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction while achieving growth goals.
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