Kenya Airways (KQ) has inked a code-sharing pact with Air Europa, Spain’s third-largest airline, as air travel demand rebounds. This collaboration aims to broaden KQ’s European and US networks, granting Air Europa passengers access to Nairobi from Amsterdam, while offering KQ flyers connections to Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, New York, and Miami.
Code-sharing is an agreement between two or more airlines to sell seats for the same flight which means that passengers enjoy benefits such as the purchase of a single ticket, a single check-in, and seamless connections at transit points.
“The agreement has significantly expanded customers’ travel options by providing access and convenience as guests will enjoy benefits such as the purchase of a single ticket, single check-in, and connection with minimum waiting times,” Martin Gitonga, the head of network planning and alliances at Kenya Airways said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
Gitonga added that the agreement reflects the growth of Kenya Airways’ partnership strategy which has been restored since 2022 as travel demand returned after lifting the COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are very pleased with the partnership we have signed with Kenya Airways. In addition to working with one of the most established and prestigious airlines in Africa, this alliance allows us to significantly expand our reach in a region with growing demand, which will certainly be of great benefit to our customers,” said Estelle Leray, Air Europa’s Director of Alliances.
The recent partnership with Air Europa adds to Kenya Airways’ expanding portfolio of code-sharing agreements with global airlines.
A few months ago KQ signed another codeshare deal with South African Airways (SAA), which includes direct flights from South Africa to South America. KQ said the deal will see its customers travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Johannesburg on one ticket