China Southern Airlines to fly to Nairobi starting August
China's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner delivered to China Southern Airlines lands at the airport in Guangzhou, in southern China's Guangdong province, on June 2, 2013. China Southern Airlines will on August 5 launch its direct flight between Nairobi and Guangzhou. AFP PHOTO
What you need to know:
- According to a statement from the airline, the carrier will codeshare its service with Kenya Airways will provide 20 flights per week on the new Nairobi - Guangzhou route.
- China's rising middle class are among the most sought after by major tourist destinations the world over, however Kenya's share of this lucrative market remains low.
- A return ticket to Guangzhou from Kenya will cost Sh74603 ($762) tax inclusive on economy class.
Chinese airline China Southern Airlines will in August 5 this year launch its direct flight between Nairobi and Guangzhou.
According to the China Southern Airlines senior vice president of Marketing Mr Wells Zheng, the airline anticipates sustained growth in traffic to and from Asia given Kenya’s strategic position on the continent.
Trade between China and Africa has increased rapidly, opening a window for airlines to grow their presence on key routes.
China's rising middle class are among the most sought after by major tourist destinations the world over, however Kenya's share of this lucrative market remains low.
Kenya has also witnessed major multinationals relocate their African bases to Nairobi even as more foreign companies troop in making it a business hub.
This trend however will continue to be tested by insecurity posed by the constant threat of terror.
RETURN TICKET
A return ticket to Guangzhou from Kenya will cost Sh74,603 ($762) tax inclusive on economy class. The airline is set to provide competition for struggling Kenya Airways which also makes direct flights to the city at Sh119, 795.
According to a statement from the airline, the carrier will codeshare its service with Kenya Airways will provide 20 flights per week on the new Nairobi - Guangzhou route.
“This will make it more convenient for those passengers who want to transfer from the other countries of Africa to China via Nairobi and easy transfers for travellers extending their trip to domestic China, South East Asia, North East Asia and Australasia through China Southern Airlines’ extensive route network,” the statement read.
This move has been termed as a big milestone that endorses Kenya as the regional hub by the Principal Secretary, Department of Commerce and TourismDr Ibrahim Mohammed.
“We are glad that you chose Kenya from deliberations informed by your business plans. This means that we as a country are relevant to your business and we are keen that the move is mutually beneficial,” he said.
“We expect to see continued strong growth in demand for air transportation through Nairobi to the rest of Africa as more Chinese expatriates and businesspeople pitch tent on the continent. We are banking on the increasing intensity of trade between China and Africa to build traffic for our new route,” Mr Zheng added.
