Kenya Airways has announced the commencement of a twice-weekly freighter service from Mumbai to Nairobi, utilizing its newly inducted Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft. The inaugural flight took off from Mumbai International Airport on Thursday, February 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the African airline’s cargo operations.
Enhancing Connectivity and Capacity
Operated every Monday and Thursday, the freighter service will facilitate the seamless movement of cargo between Mumbai and Nairobi, strengthening trade ties between India and Africa. With the routing Nairobi-Sharjah-Mumbai-Nairobi, Kenya Airways aims to cater to the growing demand for African perishables and valuable products in India, offering a direct and efficient connection.
Daniel Salaton, Senior Manager E-commerce and Express Cargo at Kenya Airways Cargo, emphasized the airline’s commitment to serving as not just a Kenyan carrier but an African airline, aligning its operations with the evolving needs of the region’s trade ecosystem.
Kenya Airways Successful Maiden Flight and Expansion Plans
The inaugural KQ freighter flight from Mumbai witnessed full capacity, carrying a substantial cargo load of 20 tonnes. This successful operation underscores the demand for enhanced air freight services between Mumbai and Nairobi.
Manoj Singh, Chief Cargo Officer at Adani Airports, lauded Kenya Airways’ decision to expand its freighter services to Mumbai, highlighting the importance of balanced revenue streams and customer choice in the cargo industry.
Kenya Airways plans to further bolster its freighter fleet by adding a second B737-800 freighter in February 2024, bringing the total fleet count to four aircraft. The introduction of these modern freighters underscores Kenya Airways’ commitment to offering efficient and reliable cargo solutions across its network.
Seamless Integration with Passenger Services
In addition to its dedicated freighter services, Kenya Airways continues to operate twice-daily passenger flights between Nairobi and Mumbai using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The combination of passenger and freighter services reflects the airline’s holistic approach to meeting the diverse transportation needs of its customers.
Nishant Seth, Director of Rainbow Aviation, Kenya Airways’ GSA in India, emphasized the airline’s focus on delivering comprehensive solutions to its Kenyan and Indian clientele. The introduction of the freighter service represents an augmentation of Kenya Airways’ cargo capabilities, enhancing its ability to serve the dynamic air cargo market.
Conclusion
Kenya Airways’ launch of the Mumbai-Nairobi freight service signifies a strategic step towards expanding its cargo footprint and fostering trade connectivity between Africa and India. With its state-of-the-art freighter fleet and customer-centric approach, Kenya Airways is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air cargo operations in the region.
Read also: How Lufthansa Cargo is Revolutionizing Air Freight with AeroSHARK Technology
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Kenya Airways Cargo Mumbai – Nairobi FAQs:
- How often will Kenya Airways operate the freighter service between Mumbai and Nairobi?
- Kenya Airways will operate the freighter service twice a week, every Monday and Thursday.
- What is the cargo capacity of Kenya Airways’ new Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft?
- The new Boeing 737-800 freighter offers a cargo capacity of up to 20 tonnes, facilitating efficient movement of goods between Mumbai and Nairobi.
- Does Kenya Airways operate passenger services between Mumbai and Nairobi?
- Yes, Kenya Airways operates twice-daily passenger flights between Nairobi and Mumbai using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
- How does Kenya Airways plan to enhance its cargo operations in the future?
- Kenya Airways intends to expand its freighter fleet by adding a second B737-800 freighter in February 2024, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing cargo capabilities and service offerings.
