Kenya Airways (KQ) is setting its sights on South America as a potential market for inbound tourists, with the expansion of the airline’s codeshare partnership with South African Airways now connecting Kenya to São Paulo via Johannesburg.
“Customers will now experience a seamless travel journey to São Paulo via Johannesburg on one ticket, as KQ codeshares on the recently reintroduced SAA flight,” said KQ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu.
Thairu said the collaboration reduced the distance travelled from Nairobi to Brazil, which has previously only been serviced by flights via Europe, the Middle East and North America, by 36%.
“The codeshare proves the power of partnerships and offers our customers the opportunity not only to use the most efficient connection offering the least impact on the environment, but also to embark on a two-country tour by combining South Africa and Brazil,” Thairu pointed out.
He said KQ viewed South America as a fledgling market that offered promise for business and leisure travel. Of the almost 1.5 million international arrivals recorded in 2022, only 2 337 came from the South American country.
“Connecting South America’s largest economy to Kenya – East Africa’s largest economy – with a one-stop solution, offers greater opportunities to enhance trade and economic opportunities, cultural exchange, diplomatic relations and tourism,” Thairu said, pointing out that in spite of poor air connectivity, exports from Brazil to Kenya totalled $64.8 million in 2021.
