A Kenya Airways Embraer E170
The airline will, from July 2, fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport and twice daily to Eldoret starting July 4. The launch of the new destinations is expected to strengthen the airline’s presence in the region.
Kenya Airways will operate narrow body Embraer E170 aircraft on the Eldoret route with KQ660 and KQ661 departing from Nairobi and Eldoret at 0740hrs and 0910hrs respectively. In the evening, KQ664 will depart Nairobi at 1715hrs whilst KQ665 departs from Eldoret at 1900hrs.
The airline will also operate E170 to Kilimanjaro starting with six flights a week until September 30 and growing to daily flights from October 1. KQ420 to Kilimanjaro will depart Nairobi at 1000hrs and KQ 421 will depart Kilimanjaro International Airport at 1140hrs.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is strategically located in northern Tanzania’s rich northern tourism market. Eldoret is one of the major towns in Kenya’s agriculturally rich Central Rift region.
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director Titus Naikuni said that the northern Tanzania region has great tourism attractions including the world-renowned Serengeti National Park.
“In line with our plans to exploit the untapped economic potential of the African continent, we have identified Kilimanjaro as a strategic destination in the region owing to the vibrant tourism circuit in the hinterland including the world famous Serengeti,” stated Dr Naikuni.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is strategically located between Kilimanjaro and Arusha in Northern Tanzania, in a region that is world famous for its tourist attractions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge. The airport was inaugurated in 1971 and was mooted as the “Gateway to Africa’s Rich Wildlife Heritage.”
Arusha houses several major international bodies. This provides a good opportunity to tap into conference and business tourism. Arusha is also home to the East African Community and hosts the regional legislative assembly besides boasting a large expatriate community.
On Eldoret, Dr Naikuni said the decision to fly to there is based on growing passenger volumes as devolution takes root and more businesses take advantage of the unfolding economic opportunities.
“Eldoret is a busy town considering its proximal location to the country food basket. Also, as more people seek opportunities in the counties, we expect passenger volumes to grow,” noted Dr Naikuni.
The launch of the Kilimanjaro and Eldoret routes comes after the national carrier launched flights to New Delhi India on May 15.
