Kenya Airways Hands Big Win To Kenyans Flying To UK

Kenyans wishing to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) directly from Nairobi will have an array of schedules to choose from if a development by national carrier Kenya Airways is anything to go by.

Kenya Airways, operating under the shortcode KQ, increased daily flights to the UK's capital, London, from 10 to 14 times a week.

The new schedule means travellers in Kenya can choose whether to fly to London in the morning or in the evening through flight numbers KQ100 and KQ102 respectively, bringing about increased flexibility, particularly for those working in their day jobs.

"Kenya's national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has today announced the introduction of two daily flights to London effective 29th October 2023.

Passengers at Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport in London, United Kingdom. /MYLONDON.NEWS

"The airline's customers can now choose between a morning flight via KQ 100 and an evening flight via KQ 102 allowing more travel options, convenience, and flexibility," KQ stated in part on Thursday, September 28.

Kenya Airways has been operating flights to London since its inception as a gateway to the United Kingdom (UK) for business travel, leisure travel, trade, and education travel.

The airline has been using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, viewed as one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world due to technological advances in aerodynamics, more efficient engines, and reduction in weight.

The reduction in weight is attributed to the use of composite materials for most of its construction, as well as more advanced systems such as electric pumps used in place of hydraulics.

"KQ will deploy the B787 Boeing Dreamliner on the route bringing the total flights per week to 14 up from 10 flights. The additional weekly flights will cater to the increased market demand for this route and growing passenger demand," added the national airline.

KQ added that flights are open for booking on Kenya Airways' website; www.kenya-airways.com. Travellers can also contact their preferred travel agent for tickets.

The increase in flights is viewed as KQ's strategy to turn around its financial misfortunes. On Tuesday, August 29, the airline's profit after tax grew 120 per cent to Ksh998 million in the half-year ending July 30, compared to a loss of Ksh5 billion during a similar period last year, the first operating profit in six years.

KQ’s improved earnings are attributed to a cabin factor of 76.1 per cent, an increase in passenger numbers of 43 per cent, which represents 2.3 million in headcount over the period, as well as passenger charters and ramped-up scheduled operations.

Kenya Airways also operates a daily service connecting Nairobi to New York, a nonstop flight from East Africa to America. Its partnership with Delta Airlines offers customers additional travel options within the U.S. and increased flying opportunities within Africa increasing customers’ travel options to more than 31 destinations in Africa and 57 cities across the U.S. and Canada.