KQ, Delta expand partnership for access to 57 destinations in US and Canada

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) and American firm Delta Air Lines on Monday announced an expansion of their partnership which will see customers get additional travel options within Africa and the United States of America.

KQ currently operates a daily service connecting Nairobi to New York, it is the only nonstop flight from East Africa to America.

In a joint statement, the two airlines announced that from August 5, 2023, they increased customers' travel options to more than 31 destinations in Africa and 57 cities across the US and Canada.

Kenya Airways MD and CEO Allan Kilavuka said the partnership will enhance connectivity between US and Africa and offer the KQ product directly through its American partner.

“The expansion of the codeshare is historic as it not only allows KQ to expand its footprint in the U.S. but is also significant because it provides seamless connectivity on a single ticket for those travelling for business, leisure or studies into the U.S. while giving seamless connectivity to those visiting Africa through JFK and KQ’s hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi,” Kilavuka said.

Alain Bellemare, Delta’s President International added: “At a time when we are seeing unprecedented demand for travel between North America and Africa, expanding our strategic partnership with Kenya Airways offers our customers more travel options as well as supports our priority to deepen our presence across the African continent.” 

KQ currently offers daily flights from JKIA in Nairobi to the US via JFK Airport in New York.

Delta has been operating nonstop service between Africa to the United States since 2006 and currently operates flights from Accra, Ghana; Dakar, Senegal; Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; and Lagos, Nigeria.