Kenya Airways adds direct cargo flights between Somalia and UAE

Kenya Airways cargo plane. File photo | NMG

Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched direct cargo ferries between Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Somalia's capital Mogadishu in a bid to expand its cargo business.

The airline will begin flying once a week starting Friday, February 9th, with plans to increase to twice weekly flights in April.

The national carrier has partnered with Dubai-based distributor Global GSA Cargo LLC as its logistics partner to service this route.

Dick Murianchi, Director of KQ Freight, said: “We are pleased to be able to expand our world-class logistics services to underserved markets with our solid product offering, and we are delighted to be able to expand our world-class logistics services to underserved markets, with a solid product offering, “We believe there are direct services complemented by institutions, humanitarian assistance and project-driven transport.” .

“Direct flights between the UAE and Somalia are in high demand for air cargo transportation, especially for high-tech consumer goods, auto parts, project cargo, clothing, etc., which are most frequently operated on this route,” he added. .

Kenya Airways expanded its cargo fleet with a B737-800F last November and plans to lease two similar aircraft.plane

Compared to the two B737-300Fs KQ has previously used, it will have a higher cargo capacity and operate long-haul flights.

According to manufacturer Boeing, the 737-800F aircraft carries a revenue payload of up to 23 tons.

read: KQ to lease two aircraft as cargo unit expands

In 2020, KQ converted two of its B787s to cargo airlines due to high demand for cargo services amid a significant reduction in passenger service amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to Sharjah, the second most populous city after Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the airline plans to deploy cargo planes to destinations such as Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dakar, Lagos, N'Djamena, Mumbai, Freetown and Monrovia.

Global GSA Cargo CEO Kannan Nachiappan said direct flights between the UAE and Somalia would lead to shorter flight times and lower costs.

“As an intermodal logistics hub, the UAE serves as a major gateway to Africa and having a dedicated KQ Cargo freighter offering this service will reduce transit times and connect several We can provide planned main deck capacity to remote locations. This service will cover markets characterized by belly-only options, long transit times and high fares.” he said.

Kenya Airways has announced that it will also resume direct passenger flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu from February 15, 2024.

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