Delta Air Lines and Kenya Airways Team Up To Expand Travel in Africa

Brunno Braga
·2 min read
2
men at conference meeting
men at conference meeting

Delta Air Lines and Kenya Airways have announced an expanded strategic partnership, set to start on August 5, 2023, which will now include Kenya Airways’ direct Nairobi-to-New York route. This move aims to provide passengers with a more direct and enjoyable travel experience between the United States and Africa.

The extended collaboration between the two companies also opens up many travel opportunities within the United States and Africa. This includes access to more than 31 countries across Africa through single connecting flights, as well as more than 57 cities across the United States and Canada.

Travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers will also benefit from this enhanced partnership. Members of Delta’s SkyMiles program and Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards program can continue to accrue miles on their journeys, reaping the rewards of this expanded alliance.

Delta Expands Presence Across Africa

President – International of Delta, Alain Bellemare, states, “Amidst the unprecedented demand for travel between North America and Africa, our extended partnership with Kenya Airways not only grants travelers more choices but also reflects our commitment to strengthening our presence across the African continent.”

For Allan Kilavuka, Group MD & CEO of Kenya Airways, this expansion will enhance connectivity between the U.S. and Africa. He noted, “Our mission at Kenya Airways is to bridge the gap between Africa and the world, and vice versa. This historic expansion of our codeshare not only enables us to extend our reach in the U.S., offering seamless travel options for business, leisure, and educational purposes but also facilitates smooth access for those venturing into Africa through JFK, connecting to our hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.”

Currently, Kenya Airways operates daily flights from Nairobi to the U.S. via JFK Airport in New York. Delta has been a pioneer in providing nonstop service between Africa and the United States since 2006, serving cities such as Accra, Dakar, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Lagos.