In a move set to significantly bolster intercontinental connectivity and regional aviation ties, Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The strategic partnership announced on June 27, 2025, will see the two airlines codesharing on each other’s networks and exploring collaborations in multiple operational areas including ground services, maintenance, cargo, loyalty programs, and procurement.
The agreement was formalized at Qatar Airways’ headquarters in Doha between Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and Kenya Airways Group CEO, Allan Kilavuka.
Expanding Routes, Codesharing, and Access
As part of the deal, Qatar Airways will launch a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, to be operated under codeshare with Kenya Airways. Additionally, Kenya Airways will inaugurate a new route between Mombasa and Doha, also included in the codeshare framework. These new services are expected to be available for booking imminently, with the Mombasa route debuting during the upcoming winter season.
Both carriers have agreed to codeshare across broader parts of their networks, allowing passengers traveling between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia to enjoy greater flexibility, seamless booking options, and increased flight frequencies.
Strategic Intent and Economic Implications
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer described the agreement as a milestone in Qatar Airways’ long-term investment in African aviation, marking 20 years of operations to Kenya. “This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region,” he stated. “Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.”
Kenya Airways’ Allan Kilavuka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the deal’s alignment with the airline’s turnaround strategy, which recently led to the company’s first profit in over a decade. “The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities,” he said, noting the potential economic ripple effects across East Africa.
Diversifying Beyond Passenger Traffic
Beyond passenger codesharing, the agreement includes intentions to deepen cooperation in cargo, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, and loyalty program integration. Given Kenya Airways’ prominence as the sole African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance, the expanded partnership is expected to provide Qatar Airways enhanced access to SkyTeam-connected regions across sub-Saharan Africa.
Both airlines also plan to explore joint procurement, which could reduce costs and increase leverage with suppliers, especially in MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations.
Competitive Implications
The move comes as Gulf carriers intensify their investment across Africa, a region with growing aviation demand but persistent infrastructure and fleet challenges. Qatar Airways already operates over 170 weekly flights to 30 African destinations, and has optimized several schedules to improve connectivity to major cities like London, New York, Brussels, and Guangzhou.
This announcement follows Qatar Airways’ 2024 investment in Airlink (South Africa) and aligns with a wider strategy of forming deep bilateral relationships in Africa to counterbalance the growth of regional alliances such as Ethiopian Airlines’ pan-African Star Alliance influence.
Kenya Airways: Recovery in Motion
For Kenya Airways, the agreement comes at a pivotal time. After more than a decade of losses, the airline has signaled renewed financial health in 2025, buoyed by cost controls and strategic realignments. The partnership with Qatar Airways gives Kenya Airways access to Qatar’s extensive Asian and European networks, while providing Kenya with direct exposure to Gulf tourism and trade flows.
Kenya Airways continues to operate over 45 destinations globally, including 37 in Africa, and serves more than 5 million passengers annually. In 2024 and 2025, it was recognized by Skytrax and World Travel Awards as the leading African carrier for staff and business class service.
Industry Outlook
Aviation analyst Dr. Nathaniel Githinji described the deal as “a smart play by both airlines.” He added, “For Qatar, it strengthens its hold on East Africa. For Kenya Airways, it’s an invaluable link to high-yield markets.”Industry watchers will also observe whether this partnership leads to equity investment, as Qatar Airways has previously taken stakes in IAG, LATAM, and Air Italy.
