Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has bolstered its footprint in East Africa with the grand opening of a state-of-the-art corporate office in Nairobi’s prestigious Global Trade Centre (GTC). This significant milestone was celebrated on January 22, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Ahmad Dib, Etihad Airways’ General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, and Dr. Joseph Kithitu, Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). They were joined by prominent local business leaders, marking the occasion as a pivotal moment for both the airline and the Kenyan travel sector.
The office, operated by Etihad’s General Sales Agent (GSA), ITVAR Travel, is located in Westlands, Nairobi’s thriving business district. This move is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen Etihad’s presence in Kenya, a market that has seen growing demand for international travel services. The office’s opening comes just weeks after the airline began operating direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi in December 2024. The service, which is operated four times a week Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays uses an Airbus A320 with 8 Business class seats and 150 Economy seats, providing a seamless connection between the two capitals with morning departures from Abu Dhabi and evening returns from Nairobi.
Abu Dhabi’s strategic position as a global business hub has made it a highly sought-after destination for corporate travelers from Kenya. With world-class infrastructure and its central location bridging Africa and Asia, Abu Dhabi serves as an ideal gateway for Kenyan companies seeking to expand their global reach. The new office in Nairobi will serve not only as a base for operations but also as a symbol of Etihad Airways’ commitment to enhancing connectivity between East Africa and the UAE.
Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of the new office location in Nairobi, stating, “The strong performance of our Nairobi service since its launch last month demonstrates the increasing ties between our two nations. This new office opening underscores our commitment to the Kenyan market as we continue to see growing demand from both business and leisure travelers in both directions.”
Kenya’s aviation market is undergoing a period of expansion, and Dr. Joseph Kithitu, Chairman of KATA, highlighted the significance of Etihad’s investment in the local travel sector. “The opening of Etihad Airways’ new office in Nairobi’s business hub signals confidence in Kenya’s aviation market. This investment, coupled with their new direct flights, creates valuable opportunities for the travel trade and enhances connectivity for Kenyan travelers.”
The Global Trade Centre, located in Nairobi’s business district, is a landmark development that hosts a variety of international companies, making it the ideal location for businesses seeking to tap into Kenya’s expanding corporate travel sector. This move by Etihad Airways is a clear indication of the growing demand for international air travel services and the airline’s long-term investment in East Africa.
The airline’s continued expansion in the region promises to provide more options for travelers, further enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a key player in the global business and travel arena. With this latest office opening and the successful launch of direct flights, Etihad Airways has cemented its role in strengthening the bilateral ties between the UAE and Kenya, offering both business and leisure travelers seamless connectivity between the two nations.
