Kenya Airways and Safarilink Aviation have officially launched a one-way codeshare agreement, marking a major milestone in the aviation industry aimed at streamlining travel to Kenya’s renowned safari destinations. This new partnership will expand the reach of both airlines, offering travelers seamless connections to nine additional destinations, all of which are key to Kenya’s vibrant safari tourism industry.
Through this collaboration, Kenya Airways is enhancing its domestic offerings by providing travelers with the ability to book both international and domestic flights on a single ticket. This unified service will make it much easier for tourists from around the world to access Kenya’s iconic wildlife destinations, without the hassle of booking separate flights. The move is part of a broader strategy by Kenya Airways to improve its service offerings, providing a more convenient and efficient travel experience for its customers.
Under this new agreement, Kenya Airways’ global network will now include two daily flights to crucial airstrips in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, and Samburu, among others. These destinations, famous for their breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, attract tourists from all over the world, and the codeshare agreement aims to eliminate the need for multiple bookings and connections. This enhancement allows visitors to experience the beauty of Kenya’s wilderness with much greater ease, maximizing their time on the ground rather than navigating complex flight schedules.
The partnership is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of Kenya’s tourism sector. In 2024, leisure travel was identified as the largest segment of tourist arrivals, accounting for over 44 percent of visitors to Kenya, underscoring the increasing demand for safari tourism. By making it easier for international tourists to connect with local airstrips, this agreement positions both airlines to cater to this growing market.
Kenya Airways’ Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating that it aligns perfectly with the airline’s focus on smart innovation. He emphasized that the collaboration with Safarilink not only improves flight connectivity but also supports the local economy and conservation efforts by enhancing access to these remote safari destinations. “By optimizing aircraft use, reducing delays, and offering more flexibility, we are ensuring that our guests enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience,” Kilavuka noted. His remarks also highlighted how tourism is vital to Kenya’s economy, particularly in regions that depend on wildlife conservation and tourism revenue.
On the other side, Safarilink Aviation’s CEO, Alex Avedi, shared his excitement about the collaboration, noting that Safarilink’s fleet, which includes Cessna Caravans and Dash-8 aircraft, is ideally suited to serve these remote airstrips. These aircraft provide quick and efficient access to Kenya’s most sought-after safari spots, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Kenyan wilderness without delays.
Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, also commented on the strategic importance of the partnership. He pointed out that Kenya’s reputation as a top-tier safari destination continues to attract travelers globally, and the new codeshare agreement directly addresses the evolving needs of today’s travelers, who seek seamless and reliable travel experiences.
Together, Kenya Airways and Safarilink are setting a new standard for safari travel, ensuring that visitors to Kenya can enjoy world-class experiences with minimal hassle, reinforcing the nation’s position as one of the most desirable destinations for adventure and nature tourism.
