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Incident

Serve Air Cargo 737 Landing Accident at Kinshasa

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

A Serve Air Cargo Boeing 737-300 freighter has suffered substantial damage during a landing accident at Kinshasa N’Djili Airport on 5 May 2024.

The serve air cargo freighter had been conducting an approach to RWY24 Kinshasa N’Djili International Airport (FIH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Serve Air Cargo Kinshasa

In the early stages of descent, the aircraft’s left-hand engine failed and flight crew shut the engine down. The aircraft continued with its descent and approach to RWY24.

On landing, the aircraft veered to the right and exited the runway side. The aircraft came to rest on soft ground and suffered substantial damage as a result.

Both engines suffered substantial damage with the right-hand engine detached from the wing.

The left-hand engine was crushed during the subsequent runway excursion. The nose and right main landing gear collapsed during the event.

Airport operations were suspended while the aircraft was towed from its landing position. No injuries were reported in the landing accident.

Boeing 737-300 9S-AKK

The aircraft conducting the cargo flight into Kinshasa was a Boeing 737-300 freighter, registered 9S-AKK. This is a 32.9-year old converted freighter aircraft belonging to the carrier serve air cargo.

The aircraft has been in service with the operator since 29 November 2020. It is served with a series of cargo operators since its original delivery in June 1991.

9S-AKK has subsequently been written off as a result of the landing accident.

Serve Air Cargo is a cargo airline based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It primarily focuses on domestic freight services within the DRC, but also offer charter flights.

Here’s a quick summary about Serve Air Cargo:

  • Established in 1993.
  • Operates a mixed fleet of turboprop, widebody and narrowbody aircraft for its short-haul flight services.
  • Recently added a Boeing 737-800 freighter to its fleet in order to modernize.

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Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departing EDDB airport.
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Qatar Airways Connects Kinshasa and Boosts Luanda Service

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

Qatar Airways has made a significant network expansion in Africa, adding Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a new destination.

At the same time, the carrier has announced an increasing service to Luanda, Angola.

This strategic network move strengthens Qatar Airways’ presence in Africa. It effectively offers passengers greater travel options within the region and seamless connections to key global destinations.

Kinshasa: 29th African Destination

The inclusion of Kinshasa marks Qatar Airways’ 29th African destination. This now provides providing a convenient gateway for travelers in the DRC to explore China, Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent via Doha, Qatar.

Passengers flying from Kinshasa or Luanda will enjoy a world-class travel experience on board a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

The widebody aircraft is configured with 22 spacious Business Class seats and 232 comfortable Economy Class seats.

Photo Credit: Qatar Airways

Commitment to Africa

“This latest addition is a significant milestone in our 2024 network expansion,” said Mr. Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer.

“Kinshasa’s inclusion exemplifies our ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity within Africa. Our extensive network and hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, we offers unparalleled choice for African travelers seeking to explore the world.”

Curimedia | P H O T O G R A P H Y, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Luanda: New Flight Options

To cater to the growing demand, Qatar Airways will introduce four weekly flights between Doha and Luanda. It also adds a convenient connection to Kinshasa. Passengers can refer to the following flight schedules (all times listed are local):

  • Flight QRQ1491:
    • Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH): Departs at 02:45, Arrives at 08:10
    • Kinshasa (FIH) to Luanda (LAD): Departs at 09:40, Arrives at 10:55
    • Luanda (LAD) to Doha (DOH): Departs at 12:25, Arrives at 22:50 (next day)
  • Flight QRQ1489:
    • Doha (DOH) to Luanda (LAD): Departs at 09:20, Arrives at 15:40
    • Luanda (LAD) to Kinshasa (FIH): Departs at 17:10, Arrives at 18:25
    • Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH): Departs at 19:55, Arrives at 05:45+1 (next day)

Loyalty Program Benefits

Members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club can earn Avios on these new flights. They can enjoy attractive savings when combining cash and Avios for their bookings.

Additionally, Avios Max allows members to pay for flights entirely with Avios. Other benefits include shopping and dining rewards at Qatar Duty Free, exclusive holiday packages, cabin upgrades, and much more.

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways currently flies to nearly 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. Skytrax voted it as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ in 2021 and 2022 consecutively.

 In 2023, Hamad International Airport was ranked by Skytrax as the second-best airport in the world, and received the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for the ninth time in a row, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’.

Qatar Airways has won the “World’s Best Airline” title a record-breaking seven times according to Skytrax (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, the carrier was recently voted the world’s best airline website by World Travel Tech Awards.

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Ethiopian Flight Kinshasa-Addis Ababa Declares Emergency
Emergency

Ethiopian Flight Kinshasa-Addis Ababa Declares Emergency

by James Field
written by James Field

A Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-800F operating a flight to Addis Ababa declared an emergency, forcing a return to Kinshasa, it’s departure point.

Ethiopian Flight Kinshasa-Addis Ababa Declares Emergency…

Ethiopian Flight Kinshasa-Addis Ababa Declares Emergency
Data provided by RadarBox.com.

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Ethiopian flight ET3840 is a scheduled freighter service between Kinshasa and Addis Ababa, and was operated by ET-AVX, one of the airline’s Boeing 737-800Fs.

As per data from Planespotters.net, ET-AVX is a 24.6 year old airframe which started out life with Air Berlin in April 1999.

It remained with the German carrier until it was handed over to Turkish carrier Corendon Airlines in April 2010.

From there, it was returned to lessor GECAS in May 2016, and remained with the lessor following conversion into a cargo aircraft, and was then delivered to Ethiopian Airlines in March 2019, where it has been since.

The airline has four units of these cargo aircraft at the time of writing.

ET3840 departed Kinshasa at 0516 local time this morning and climbed out towards Addis Ababa where the aircraft made a u-turn and declared an emergency.

Following one hold on its descent, the aircraft was able to land safely at 0543, nearly 30 minutes after departure.

At the time of writing, it is unclear what the cause of the emergency was, but was clearly serious enough to force a return back to Kinshasa and not continue to Addis Ababa.

It is understood that the aircraft departed again at 0800 local time this morning, so it is clearly trying to get to the Ethiopian capital, indicating that whatever the issue was, it’s been fixed.

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Chaos in Kinshasa: Passengers Storm Brussels Airlines Flight
Incident

Chaos in Kinshasa: Passengers Storm Brussels Airlines Flight

by James Field
written by James Field

Chaos has emerged in Kinshasa as passengers storm their Brussels Airlines flight that has been cancelled for two days in a row.

Chaos in Kinshasa: Passengers Storm Brussels Airlines Flight…

Video sourced from @aviationbrk on Twitter/X!

The footage above shows passengers approaching the Brussels Airlines Airbus A330 in Kinshasa, with the aircraft supposedly affected by some form of technical fault.

Chaos in Kinshasa: Passengers Storm Brussels Airlines Flight
Data provided by RadarBox.com.

OO-SFF looks to be the Airbus A330 aircraft that was affected by this form of technical fault, with its last flight being on September 15 between Brussels and Kinshasa.

As per data from Planespotters.net, OO-SFF is a 13.3 year old airframe, which was originally delivered to Singapore Airlines back in June 2010 as 9V-STO.

The aircraft was subsequently delivered to Brussels Airlines in July 2019.

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Data provided by RadarBox.com.

OO-SFH was therefore sent into Kinshasa and did depart in the late hours of last night following cancellations that have been implemented this week.

Operating SN358, the aircraft landed into Brussels in the early hours of this morning.

Upon finding out the fate of OO-SFF being technically unable to operate the flight, around seventy passengers stormed onto the tarmac and gathered around the aircraft, leaving the crew inside for their own safety.

It is understood also that ground staff, security and police were able to keep passengers from storming the aircraft and were returned to the terminal building around 45 minutes after the ordeal began in Kinshasa.

This remains a developing story. AviationSource will approach Brussels Airlines for a comment on this incident.

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Uganda Airlines aircraft parked at sunset.
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Uganda Airlines Expands African Network to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

Uganda Airlines is set to broaden its reach across Africa with new routes launching in September 2024.

The national carrier will connect Entebbe to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, bringing its total destinations to an impressive 16.

This expansion marks the second phase in the airline’s growth strategy and its commitment to developing intra-African connectivity.

Abuja Services: Airbus A330

Starting September 12, 2024, Uganda Airlines will commence flights to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

These services will operate twice weekly on Sundays and Thursdays, utilizing the airline’s flagship A330-800 aircraft.

This new route thoughtfully extends the carrier’s existing Lagos service. This currently operates every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, and the expansion will offer travelers more options for reaching West Africa.

Lukasa and Harare: Bombardier CRJ-900

Following closely, the airline will launch flights to Lusaka and Harare on September 25, 2024. These Southern African destinations will be served four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The airline will deploy its efficient CRJ-900 aircraft for these routes. This will further solidify its presence in the southern region of the continent.

Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki shared her enthusiasm about the expansion. “These new routes not only enhance Uganda’s connectivity but also offer more choices and convenience to our valued customers.”

“This marks the second phase of our network growth strategy. It brings affordable air travel to Ugandans for both business and leisure purposes.”

“Moreover, it lays the groundwork for our final phase, during which we plan to expand our footprint to destinations in Europe and Asia.”

Current Route Network

The new services, combined with the existing services to Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Dubai, Johannesburg, Juba, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Lagos, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Zanzibar, expand our coverage to 16 destinations.

This strategic expansion aims to boost intra-African travel, facilitating increased opportunities for business, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges across the continent.

By creating direct air bridges to West Africa and Southern Africa, Uganda Airlines is poised to bring unprecedented convenience to travellers. This will offer smoother connectivity and open up new possibilities for cross-border collaborations.

Travelers eager to experience these new routes can book their flights through various channels, including travel agents, Uganda Airlines ticketing offices, or conveniently online via the airline’s user-friendly app and website.

About Uganda Airlines

Founded in 2019, Uganda Airlines has quickly established itself as a rising star in African aviation. As the national flag carrier of Uganda, it provides both passenger and cargo services.

It primarily focuses on East Africa and nearby international markets. Despite its youth, the airline has already made significant strides in the industry.

One of Uganda Airlines’ most notable achievements is its modern fleet. The carrier has been awarded the World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award by Ch-Aviation for five consecutive years, from 2020 to 2024.

This accolade underscores the airline’s commitment to providing passengers with the latest in aviation technology and comfort.

The airline’s fleet consists of two state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo aircraft for long-haul flights and four Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft for regional routes.

This diverse fleet allows Uganda Airlines to efficiently serve a variety of markets, from African cities to international hubs.

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Earlier this week, Qatar Airways restarted flights between Doha and Venice in Italy, as Summer growth continues.
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Qatar Airways Restarts Flights Between Doha & Venice

by James Field
written by James Field

Earlier this week, Qatar Airways restarted flights between Doha and Venice in Italy, as Summer growth continues.

The Middle Eastern carrier has added these services alongside the existing flights in Milan and Rome.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

The Flights Between Doha & Venice with Qatar Airways…

Earlier this week, Qatar Airways restarted flights between Doha and Venice in Italy, as Summer growth continues.
Photo Credit: Qatar Airways.

The new flights between Doha and Venice with Qatar Airways launched on June 12.

Furthermore, the airline will be servicing the route on a daily basis using their Boeing 787 aircraft.

The scheduling for such flights is as follows:

  • Doha (DOH) to Venice (VCE) – departing at 09:00 and arriving at 14:20.
  • Venice (VCE) to Doha (DOH) – departing at 16:50 and arriving at 23:10.

At this stage, it is unclear whether these flights will run just over the Summer, or whether it will operate on a year-round basis.

These new flights come following the significant expansion that has taken place over the last three months.

Back in April, the carrier boosted services to Luanda as well as connecting Kinshasa to Doha.

Furthermore, Qatar Airways also inaugurated flights to Tashkent at the beginning of this month.

Then, just a few days ago, the airline relaunched direct flights to the Portuguese capital Lisbon.

Finally, just this week, the airline revealed a new partnership with China Southern Airlines for codesharing and enhancing innovation & connectivity.

In this regard, it is clear that Qatar Airways is continuing to grow in every area as quickly as possible.

Antinori: Italy Is A Key Market for the Airline…

Earlier this week, Qatar Airways restarted flights between Doha and Venice in Italy, as Summer growth continues.
Photo Credit: Kyle Hayes/AviationSource

Commenting on the restart of flights between Doha and Venice was Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori:

“As we enter the summer season, we are excited to resume our daily service to Venice.”

“Italy is a key market for Qatar Airways, and we are committed to providing our passengers with more travel opportunities and seamless connections to explore this wonderful country.”

“In addition to Venice, Qatar Airways already serves two other major Italian cities, Rome and Milan.”

“These flights have been incredibly popular among our passengers, and we are thrilled to expand our Italian offerings with the inclusion of Venice, through our world-class award-winning hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport.”

The new offerings mean that Italy is well-connected for residents across the country.

Furthermore, this includes the connectivity options through Doha to the rest of the world like the Far East and Australia.

Qatar Airways connects over 170 destinations worldwide, so the options for Italian passengers boast a wide range for sure.

The airline has a strong fleet of 254 aircraft to help facilitate the big list of connection points and destinations.

As per data from Planespotters.net, the airline has the following aircraft in their fleet:

  • 29 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.
  • 10 Airbus A330 Family aircraft.
  • 58 Airbus A350 Family aircraft.
  • 8 Airbus A380s.
  • 9 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.
  • 92 Boeing 777 Family aircraft.
  • 48 Boeing 787 Family aircraft.

With quite a strong range of long-haul and short-haul aircraft, this is how Qatar Airways is able to facilitate global travel.

On some of their long-haul flights, they also have the QSuite Business Class, which has taken the industry by storm over the last few years.

Overall…

Photo Credit: Kyle Hayes/AviationSource

In conclusion, the restart in flights between Doha and Venice is reflective of the growth that Qatar Airways has undertaken this year so far.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how this route performs, as there is opportunity if it is popular once again.

If demand is strong, then there could be a case to expand frequencies from the Italian airport.

But for now, all eyes is on the route performance, as well as within the wider network as the airline continues to thrive in 2024.

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Incident

Ethiopian Airlines 787 Disabled at Goma Airport Due Hydraulic Leak

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

Flight operations at Goma Airport, Democratic Republic of Congo, were suspended on April 26, 2024 after an Ethiopian airlines Boeing 787 became disabled after landing.

Ethiopian Airlines flight ET8803, a Boeing 787-8 became disabled after landing at Goma RWY35 after it lost nosewheel steering.

Ethiopian Airlines ET8803 Goma

A hydraulic leak reportedly caused the steering malfunction. The aircraft was subsequently towed off the runway and grounded.

Some inbound flights to Goma diverted to Kalemie, in the province of Tanganyika due to the temporary runway obstruction.

Boeing 787-8 ET-AOU

The aircraft conducting the ET8803 service into Goma was a Boeing 787-8, registered ET-AOU.

This is a 10-year old wide-body aircraft belonging to the Ethiopian national carrier Ethiopian Airlines. It has seen operational service with the carrier since its initial delivery in May 2014.

Windmemories, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ethiopian Airlines operates as Ethiopia’s national carrier. The government wholly owns the airline. Founded in 1945, it is one of the oldest airlines operating in Africa.

Here’s a quick rundown about Ethiopian Airlines:

  • Largest Airline in Africa: Ethiopian Airlines dominates Africa’s aviation industry in terms of passengers carried, destinations served, fleet size, and revenue.
  • Global Reach: Ethiopian Airlines also ranks fourth in the world for the number of countries it serves. It flies to over 125 destinations worldwide with hubs in Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport, Lomé, Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport and Liège Airport.

Goma International Airport (GOM)

Goma International Airport (GOM) is the main airport serving Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Here’s some information about the airport:

  • It is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • The airport operates about 108 flights on 12 different routes connecting Goma to 10 destinations in 5 different countries.
  • Major destinations include Kinshasa, Entebbe, Congo, and Beni.
  • The Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO peacekeeping forces use the airport.
  • Goma International Airport is located near the shores of Lake Kivu on the border with Rwanda.

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A Lufthansa jet in flight above mountains.
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Lufthansa Group tests Green Fares on 12 long-haul routes

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

The Lufthansa Group has extended its Green Fares to long-haul flights. As a first step, the fare structure is initially being tested on twelve selected routes. 

Growing demand for Green Fares has already seen the airline cater for more than half a million guests.

Starting this week on November 30, this pilot program will cover twelve carefully selected routes, connecting Lufthansa Group hubs with destinations worldwide.

Green Fares: A Global Reach

The selection of routes is diverse, catering to various travel preferences. From the bustling Frankfurt – Bengaluru route to the exotic Brussels – Kinshasa connection, or the glamour of Zurich – Los Angeles, the Green Fares are set to make a mark.

Moreover, passengers booking flights with Lufthansa Group airlines will automatically be presented with the eco-friendly Green Fares tariff, enhancing accessibility and awareness.

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“People want to fly and be mobile, they want to explore the world, visit friends and family, or seal deals in person.”

“The growing demand for our Green Fares fare shows that more and more people want to travel as sustainably as possible. We support them with suitable offers,” expresses Christina Foerster, Member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board responsible for Brand & Sustainability.

This sentiment captures the essence of the initiative, aligning the joy of travel with a commitment to sustainability.

Green Fares on Long-Haul Flights

Harry Hohmeister, Member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board responsible for Global Markets & Network, applauds the expansion of innovative services for more sustainable flying.

The introduction of Green Fares on selected long-haul flights across all hub airlines showcases the strength of Lufthansa Group’s multi-hub and multi-brand strategy, positioning them as global pioneers in sustainable aviation.

Photo Credit: Lufthansa

From Europe to the World

Having successfully introduced Green Fares for European and North African routes in February, the Lufthansa Group has witnessed a surge in customer interest.

Over half a million passengers have chosen Green Fares flights since the launch, emphasizing a growing trend towards eco-conscious travel choices.

Offsetting Carbon Emissions

The Green Fares not only offer a seamless and easy booking experience but also provide a comprehensive solution for offsetting individual, flight-related CO2 emissions.

With a simple click, passengers contribute to the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and support high-quality climate protection projects.

Biofuels production in Brazil Photo: Lufthansa

SAF reduces 10% of CO2 emissions, while the remaining 90% is offset through certified climate protection projects.

The Lufthansa Group’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond offsetting carbon emissions. The compensation portfolio, comprising 15 projects, includes recent additions focused on technology-based solutions for the long-term binding of CO2.

Partnering with esteemed providers like myclimate, Climate Austria, SQUAKE, and ClimatePartner, the group aims to drive the development of the CO2 compensation market towards cutting-edge technologies.

Twelve Selected Test Routes

The Green Fares long-haul fare will grace twelve selected routes, operated by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and SWISS. These routes include:

  1. Frankfurt – Bengaluru (FRA – BLR)
  2. Munich – Seoul (MUC – ICN)
  3. Brussels – Kinshasa (BRU – FIH)
  4. Zurich – Los Angeles (ZRH – LAX)
  5. Frankfurt – Miami (FRA – MIA)
  6. Singapore – London (SIN – LHR/LCY)
  7. Sao Paulo – Zurich (GRU – ZRH)
  8. Nairobi – Frankfurt (NBO – FRA)
  9. Bangkok – Vienna (BKK – VIE)
  10. Hong Kong – London (HKG – LHR/LCY)
  11. London – Hong Kong (LHR/LCY – HKG)
  12. Paris – Bangkok (CDG/ORY – BKK)

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A Qatar Airways Airbus on the tarmac.
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Qatar Airways Group growth trajectory is set to continue

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

The Qatar Airways Group has turned in impressive results with its first half FY2023/24 performance.

The Group’s net profit, EBITDA, passenger revenues, on-time performance and load factors all demonstrate strong growth.

With ten new destinations on the horizon for 2024, the Group’s trajectory of expansion and growth is set to continue.

Ambitious Growth and Network Expansion

Qatar Airways Group has embraced ambitious yet sustainable growth, expanding its network to create lasting economic value for all stakeholders involved.

The successful return to service of the majority of the airline’s A350 fleet has been a pivotal milestone.

This achievement has significantly contributed to an overall 18% increase in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) compared to the same period last year, showcasing the airline’s commitment to delivering quality service to its passengers.

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The financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2023/2024 have been nothing short of impressive. Qatar Airways Group reported a net profit of QAR 3.736 billion (US$ 1.026 billion), marking a substantial increase of 113.8% compared to the same period in 2022/2023.

The total revenue for this period also saw substantial growth, reaching QAR 40.126 billion (US$ 11.019 billion), which represents a remarkable 7.4% increase compared to the previous year.

Passenger revenues have been a standout, surging by 28.5%, driven by increased load factors of 83.3%, resulting in higher yields of 3.6%.

Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Passenger Numbers

Qatar Airways has seen a significant uptick in its total passenger count for the first six months ending in September 2023.

The number increased to 19.078 million, marking a notable 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year.

A cornerstone of Qatar Airways Group’s commercial success has been its innovative partnerships, not only within the oneworld alliance but also through strategic alliances in Australasia, Europe, and China.

These partnerships have played a vital role in driving growth and enhancing the customer experience.

To meet the increasing demand for passenger and freighter traffic, Qatar Airways Group has around 150 aircraft on order, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.

Operational efficiencies, innovation programs, and staff development have all contributed significantly to these impressive results, solidifying Qatar Airways Group’s position as a leader in the aviation sector.

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 taxis at Sydney.
Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its remarkable achievements, Qatar Airways Group faces some headwinds in the remainder of the year. Geopolitical tensions in various parts of the world could potentially impact passenger demand for air travel and create operational constraints.

Additionally, the fluctuating cost of fuel remains a significant concern, while exchange rate fluctuations due to a strengthening US Dollar have affected the performance to date.

Nevertheless, Qatar Airways Group has taken various operational measures to enhance on-time performance, displaying the dedication and collaborative efforts of its leadership team. Management remains confident in the ability to navigate these challenges and sustain strong performance in the second half of 2023/2024.

Qatar Airways CEO H.E Akbar Al Baker
Photo Credit: Qatar Airways

Chief Executive Comments

Qatar Airways Group’s Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, expressed his optimism about the airline’s future. He stated, “Qatar Airways Group is a unique business that continues to perform at the highest level in the aviation industry.”

“The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ laid a solid foundation for Qatar’s ambition to grow as a leading tourism destination in the Middle East, with a focus on refinement, culture, value, and customer service.”

“The interim results this year indicate that the Group is tracking towards another very strong year, building upon over US$ 2.750 billion in cumulative profits from the previous two years.”

Last month, the Group announced the appointment of Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer to the lead role of Group Chief Executive for the airline.

This followed the news that His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker is to step down from the position effective from 5 November 2023, after a remarkable 27-year tenure. The current positioning of the airline Group is a strong testament to his outstanding leadership during this time.

Expanding Horizons for 2024

In early March, Qatar Airways Group announced a host of exciting new routes, including Chittagong, Juba, Kinshasa, Lyon, Medan, Toulouse, and Trabzon, many of which have already commenced operations.

The airline also revealed resumptions to 11 destinations, including Beijing, Birmingham, Buenos Aires, Casablanca, Davao, Marrakesh, Nice, Osaka, Phnom Penh, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Tokyo Haneda.

With up to 10 new destinations identified for 2024, Qatar Airways Group is set to continue its trajectory of growth and expansion.

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A Kenya Airways aircraft climbs after takeoff.
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Emirates and Kenya Airways Dive into Interline Partnership

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

On the 12th of June 2023, Emirates and Kenya Airways (KQ) announced a new interline partnership that will enable all customers on both ends to fly seamlessly to new destinations on the networks of Emirates and Kenya Airlines within a single booking.

This will create extreme convenience for passengers on both ends. The new interline agreement means that Emirates coverage will increase to 148 African points.

In addition, Kenyan flag carrier Kenya Airways will provide new schedule points to 23 eastbound Emirates destinations from its hub in Dubai. 

Added value

Passengers traveling on both ends can now have their baggage seamlessly checked through between the two airlines, to their final destination, adding value to their journey and also the two airlines.

Moreover, Emirates fliers originating from Emirates destinations or Dubai can now connect to secondary Kenyan cities through Nairobi such as Nampula,  Bangui,  Bujumbara,  Kigali,  Dzaoudzi,  Lubumbashi, Kinshasa,  Kilimanjaro,  Juba,  Zanzibar,  among many other regional points across  Africa.

As part of the agreement, the interline arrangements mean travel via Dubai with a single ticket booking from places such as Mombasa, one of Kenya’s most touristic destinations, famous for Europeans and Middle Easters alike.

Emirates has an impressive global outreach to destinations across 5 continents places like Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Ahmedabad, Beirut, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Tokyo, Seoul among others. 

Partnership statements

Emirates Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim said, “We are pleased to ink our first partnership with Kenya’s flag carrier. Kenya is a strategic gateway in our African network, and this new interline agreement will enhance connectivity for Emirates’ customers and provide them with more travel choices across the continent.”

“We look forward to deepening our relationship with Kenya Airways, offering greater network opportunities, and improving connections for both of our customers.”

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Kenya Airways said, “This partnership will provide the ideal gateway for our customers as we seek to increase our connectivity between Africa and the Middle East through Emirates’ hub in Dubai.”

“Partnerships like these  are  key in aviation as they take advantage of mutual scale and efficiencies to provide customers with more seamless travel options.” 

Tickets are available to purchase on both Emirates and Kenya Airways websites, and major online travel agents (OTA). 

About Kenya Airways 

Kenya Airways is a member of the Sky Team Alliance and is one of Africa’s leading airlines with more than 42 destinations globally. 35 of which are based in Africa. In pre-pandemic times, the airline reached a number of five million passengers in 2019.

The airline boasts one of the most modern fleets in the continent, with its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner, narrowbody 737s, and Embraer E190.

In addition, the airline’s onboard service is known for its gracious and warm Kenyan hospitality, with its lie-flat business class seats on its wide-body aircraft, but with the outdated configuration of 2-2-2.

The airline really prides itself on being the ‘pride of Africa’ and deserves to be so, connecting travellers of all walks of life through its hub and the new contemporary Terminal 1A at its Nairobi Airport hub, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

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