Kenya Airlines (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) and Air Tanzania (TC, Dar es Salaam) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation and improve air ties between East and South Africa.
The agreement, signed in Dar es Salaam on July 28th, aims to promote collaboration in key areas such as engineering, maintenance, freight operations, safety, innovation and staff training.
“MOU sets the foundation for increasing collaboration between the two airlines, focusing on regional and international partnerships that promote competitive cooperation. Both airlines will leverage their resources and internal capabilities to ensure sustainable and cost-effective growth,” the statement said.
“This partnership underlines our commitment to building regional capacity to support economic growth, trade and tourism across East Africa,” commented Allan Kilavuka, group CEO of Kenya Airlines.
Peter Uranga, CEO of Air Tanzania, calls the collaboration a “significant milestone” towards strengthening the regional aviation network and expanding the airline's footprint in Africa.
This follows the June Air Week report, where Kenya Airlines courted Air Tanzania as a potential cargo partner, while South African Airlines hopes to rekindle strategic cooperation with Kenya's flag carriers. A Kenya Airlines spokesman asked for comment at the time said, “These are ongoing conversations. Once solidified, there will be an official statement.”
The initiative could boost Kenya Airlines' continued efforts to form the Pan-African Alliance through partnerships with other major African Airlines.
Kenya Airlines initially pursued the Pan African Air Alliance with South African Airlines in 2021. The partnership was designed as a commercial cooperation focused on coordinated networks, co-scheduling, code shaling, pricing and cost reduction. Progress has been slowed as both airlines need to strengthen their internal financial position through recapital and privatization efforts. The idea is to compete effectively on the continent with foreign operators.
In December 2023, the airline expanded its codeshare partnership, including flights to Sao Paulolog Aljos, Brazil. Earlier this year, Kirabuka said Kenya Airlines is exploring a partnership with SAA Technical (SAAT), the maintenance arm of South African Airlines.
