Kenya Airways Cargo expands reach with new UAE service

Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo) has added a new regular freighter service between Mogadishu in Somalia and Sharjah following the delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 freighter.

The carrier will initially operate the route weekly but hopes to add a second frequency in April. It has partnered with UAE-based cargo sales agent Global GSA Cargo on the service.

The launch of the new flight comes after the carrier added its first 737-800 freighter, which offers an extended range compared with its existing two 737-300Fs.

KQ Cargo has plans to add a second 737-800F in the near future.

KQ Cargo director Dick Murianki said there was a need to invest in new cargo routes to help propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures and markets.

“We believe in having a direct service complemented by Dubai’s trader, transit, humanitarian, and project-driven traffic,” said Murianki.

“The direct route between UAE and Somalia offers huge demand for airfreight transportation, particularly high-tech consumer goods, automotive parts, project cargo, and clothing, which are the most frequently flown goods on the route.

“Kenya Airways’ has the expertise in the region, and our B737-800F’s apt capacity would be the ideal mix over the long term.”

Global GSA Cargo chief executive Kannan Nachiappan said the direct connection between UAE and Somalia offers customers more capacity, cuts transit times and reduces costs.

“UAE, being a multimodal logistics hub, acts as a primary gateway to Africa, and having a dedicated KQ Cargo freighter to offer this service helps cut transit times and offer scheduled maindeck capacity into several remote destinations across the region,” he said.

“This service would cover a market characterised by narrow body belly-only options, lengthy transit times, and expensive rates.”

Kenya Airways will also resume direct passenger flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu starting 15th February 2024.

//Subscribe to Air Cargo News’ twice weekly news updates and other digital products for free//

Kenya Airways expands cargo capacity with additional freighters

Kenya Airways Cargo looks to expand freighter fleet