Kenya's flag carrier, Kenya Airways, has signed a memorandum of understanding with one of the world's leading airlines, Qatar Airways, with the intention of launching a strategic partnership that will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and an increase in flights to and from Nairobi and Mombasa connecting with Doha's Hamad International Airport.

According to the Qatari airline, the partnership will see Qatar Airways introduce a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, with flights available for booking in the coming days. The new offering will be complemented by the launch of flights operated by Kenya Airways and marketed by Qatar Airways between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season. The two airlines will also operate codeshare flights on both networks to offer seamless connections and more choice to travellers around the world.

"This partnership is perfectly in line with our airline's robust recovery strategy, which saw Kenya Airways return to profitability for the first time in over a decade earlier this year. The collaboration will also help accelerate Kenya Airways' efforts to promote tourism and air cargo operations, transforming these and other sectors into key drivers of economic growth for Kenya and the East African region," said Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka.

In addition, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways will seek to develop cooperation in other areas of business, including cargo transport, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement, maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Kenya Airways is currently the only African partner in the Skyteam alliance.