Floundering KQ alters Europe flights to cut costs
Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Mbuvi Ngunze (right) at a past appearance with former Finance Director Alex Mbugua. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA |
What you need to know:
- The change is expected to provide passengers with a wider choice of connection options to and from Europe, into Africa.
- The airline which eyes to be the prime connection for passengers coming to the continent said the early arrival in Nairobi will give passengers smooth same day connections to onward destinations across Africa.
- Additionally, Kenya Airways will have six extra weekend flights in its schedule for flights between Amsterdam and Nairobi from August 5 until 21 August 2016 as part of its summer schedule.
Loss making Kenya Airways has moved to increase efficiency and cut costs by altering flight times to two European destinations.
The evening Nairobi – London flight will from March 27 shift to morning departure as the flag carrier adds six extra weekend flights between Amsterdam and Nairobi from August.
KQ said the summer changes are expected to attract more passengers and make connections easier for those transiting through Nairobi.
“In the new summer schedule, which starts in March 1, the flight will depart Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 09h10 to arrive in London at 16h15. Then depart from London for Nairobi the same evening arriving in Nairobi the next morning. The change is part of the airline’s continuous move to pursue better connectivity and efficiency for its guests,” the Airline said on Monday.
Currently the flight departs from Nairobi in the evening arriving in London the next morning. The plane stays on ground at Heathrow Airport until evening for the flight back to Nairobi.
The new plan now gives KQ’s planes a shorter parking time from the previous 15 to 2 hours at the London Airport cutting down on parking fees.
The Kenyan airline has been bulking up losses with its liabilities overtaking its assets leaving a sour taste in shareholders' tongues.
The change is expected to provide passengers with a wider choice of connection options to and from Europe, into Africa.
“The move will see the airline better utilise its assets and harmonise its network as part of the ongoing turnaround strategy,” KQ stated.
