Kenya Airways (KQ) has expanded its operations in South Africa by signing a code sharing deal with the country’s largest low cost carrier Kulula.com
As part of the deal, KQ passengers will be able to link with major domestic destinations in South Africa including Durban, Georgetown and East London.
The new agreement is expected to increase competition between the two major African Airlines - South African Airways and KQ - for the South African domestic market.
“The partnership offers us opportunity to reach markets in which we are not present. It will stimulate additional demand,” said Gerald Clarke, commercial manager, Kenya Airways.
While Kulula.com is the only privately owned South African low-cost carrier, KQ operates three daily flights into Johannesburg. The deal with Kulula.com is expected to offer seamless connection to four South African cities.
Passengers will be able to book a ticket to their destination in South Africa and be connected via Kulula.com on reaching Johannesburg.
Kenya Airways intends to place their code (KQ) on all South African domestic routes currently serviced by Kulula which include Cape Town, Durban, George and East London while kulula.com intends to place their code (MN) on the multiple daily Kenya Airways services between Johannesburg and Nairobi.
Mwangi Mumero
