Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at .

Passengers travelling from Nairobi, Kenya, to Doha, Qatar, and back will enjoy an enhanced flight experience.

This follows a partnership between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways to increase flights between the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Hamad International Airport.

The two airlines entered a strategic partnership that includes a comprehensive codeshare agreement, which offers seamless connections and greater choice for travellers.

The agreement allows Qatar Airways to introduce a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi.

The operation will be complemented by the launch of Kenya Airways-operated and Qatar Airways-marketed flights between Mombasa and Doha during the coming winter season.

KQ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Kilavuka explained that the partnership is part of the national carrier's turnaround commitment to increase profit.

“The agreement is in line with our robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways’ return to profit for the first time in more than a decade. We also look forward to expedite efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities through this partnership,” said Kilavuka.

Kenya Airways posted KSh 5.4 billion net profit in 2024, marking a return to the profit-making course.

The airline registered a 4% increase to 5.23 million passengers, with revenue rising 6% to 188 billion during the same year.

This was supported by a 25% increase in cargo uplift to over 71,000 tonnes and 75.2% growth in cabin factor.

Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer welcomed the partnership, describing it as a demonstration of the airline's deepening ties with the African region.

"This agreement is part of our 20-year celebration of flying to Kenya. It is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. This shows our commitment to continued support of the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem," said Mohammed Al-Meer.

He said the partnership will extend to other business collaborations, including cargo, airport and ground services, loyalty programmes, procurement, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.

Meanwhile, CEO Kilavuka attributed the growth in Kenya Airways' profit to the growing strength of the Kenyan shilling.

The shilling strengthened significantly in 2024 and 2025, beating both regional and international currencies.

Other factors highlighted by the CEO include improved operational discipline, financial restructuring and customer-focused innovations.

Source: TUKO.co.ke