National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ), has announced an increase in its cargo capacity by doubling its freight frequencies to seven destinations within Africa. KQ Cargo will now deploy its B737-300F freighter two times weekly to Harare, Lusaka, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Bangui, and Lubumbashi. These destinations are some of the major markets feeding Kenya Airways’ entire network. The decision has been informed by the increasing demand for air cargo services from traders and business entities across the region.
This increase in freight frequencies is in line with Kenya Airways commitment to enhance air-cargo capacity by ensuring that the network is optimally served, especially for the African markets.
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, noted, “The aviation industry plays a critical role in facilitating intra Africa trade and we believe Kenya Airways is well position to accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA). This is also well aligned with our purpose which is contribute to the sustainable development of Africa, and this entails connecting the continent as much as we possibly can to destinations within Africa, thereby promoting intra-African trade.”
The additional capacity resulting from the increased frequencies is an additional 60 metric tons per week. The nature of the cargo to and from these locations includes computers and other IT products, clothing and fashion accessories, pharmaceuticals, machinery and engineering products, and chemicals.
Kenya Airways Director of Cargo, Dick Murianki, said, “We are pleased to announce the increased frequencies to seven destinations across Africa, as this will support our cargo customers in meeting their freight demands. We want to assure our markets of a reliable, timely, and convenient freighter service.”
KQ Cargo played a pivot role in supporting Kenya Airways business during the pandemic period and emerged as a vital revenue stream that the airline has decided to focus on and enhance to realise its full potential.
KQ Cargo has a dedicated Freighter fleet of 2 Boeing 737-300s together with freight belly capacity on board Kenya Airways passenger fleet and delivers air freight to more than 54 key global destinations
