Kenya Airways, China Eastern Airlines renew partnership for better Africa-China connectivity

KENYA – Kenya Airways (KQ) and China Eastern Airlines (MU) have renewed their codeshare agreement, reaffirming their commitment to improving travel between Africa and China.

The updated partnership will provide travelers with broader access to destinations across both regions, streamlining travel experiences and boosting economic and cultural exchanges.

The renewed agreement gives KQ access to Chinese cities like Shanghai, Kunming, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, operated by MU.

Similarly, MU passengers can now connect to African cities such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg, Maputo, and Mauritius. This enhanced network ensures passengers receive a single ticket and unified baggage policy, simplifying their journeys.

“This partnership reflects our dedication to improving connectivity into China and enhancing customer experience,” said Martin Gitonga, Kenya Airways’ Head of Network Planning and Alliances.

“It also underscores the strong ties between Africa and China, which continue to grow through robust trade and cultural collaboration.”

With China’s Belt and Road Initiative serving as a key driver of economic exchanges, the improved air connectivity will support business travelers, investors, and tourists by making travel more efficient and accessible.

In a related development, Airlink, an independent regional airline, will launch three weekly night flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi starting March 30, 2025. These flights complement the airline’s existing daily services, offering increased flexibility for both business and leisure travelers.

The Johannesburg-Nairobi route, a vital link between two major hubs, is expected to boost trade and tourism. “Kenya is a critical market for us,” said Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO and Managing Director. “Our new flights provide more options for travelers and strengthen connections within the region.”

Passengers on these routes will fly aboard 98-seat Embraer E190 jets, ensuring a comfortable experience.

These developments highlight the importance of efficient air travel in strengthening Africa’s connectivity to global markets.

As China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, partnerships like the KQ-MU codeshare agreement and Airlink’s expanded service will play an essential role in facilitating economic growth.

With improved air connectivity, businesses, governments, and individuals stand to benefit from more streamlined exchanges across continents.

“This is more than just a travel arrangement—it’s an opportunity to deepen relationships and unlock new avenues for growth,” Gitonga emphasized.

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