Kenya Airways has officially inaugurated nonstop flights from Nairobi to London Gatwick, marking a major milestone in its international expansion strategy and enhancing connectivity between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
The airline’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner completed its maiden eight-and-a-half-hour journey early Thursday morning, arriving at Gatwick Airport with 171 passengers on board. The new route brings Kenya Airways’ total weekly flights to London to ten, complementing its existing service to Heathrow.
Speaking during the launch at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu highlighted the significance of the new route. “The London route contributes over 10% of our total revenue. But more importantly, this is profitable revenue,” he said, expressing optimism that the Gatwick service would break even within a year.
CEO Allan Kilavuka emphasized the cargo potential of the new link, predicting a 40% increase in freight capacity. “This new route allows us to transport goods more efficiently, boosting opportunities for Kenyan exporters targeting the UK market,” he said.
Currently, flights to Gatwick will operate three times weekly, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. However, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir hinted at a possible upgrade to daily service depending on demand. “This is the kind of expansion we want to see, Kenya Airways tapping into profitable and strategic global routes,” he noted.
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Terry Mbaika underscored the aviation sector’s importance to Kenya’s economy, noting it contributes 3.1% to GDP and supports more than 46,000 jobs. “Opening up space for our airlines is essential if we want to realize the full economic potential of the aviation industry,” he said.
With an additional 700 weekly seats between Nairobi and London now available, Kenya Airways aims to solidify its position as a premier African carrier and strengthen bilateral trade and tourism ties with the UK.
As one executive summed up the milestone: “Dinner in Nairobi, breakfast in London, a promise now kept.”
Written by Ian Maleve
