Kenyan demand rises for IAG Cargo

IAG Cargo has transported 53.7 tonnes of cargo in the bellyhold of a British Airways B777-300 aircraft from Nairobi to London Heathrow – a record for the airline’s Kenya service using the aircraft.

The cargo included perishables, textiles and courier goods, IAG said. The carrier group added that it operates four weekly rotations from Nairobi to London Heathrow and popular exports from Kenya into the UK include cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, while imports are mainly automotive, pharmaceuticals, printed materials and consumer electronics.

Michael Muriithi, area commercial manager East Africa at IAG Cargo, commented: “This record uplift of nearly 54 tonnes shows the dedicated and committed efforts of the IAG Cargo team in Nairobi. The flight was carefully planned, ensuring efficient ULD planning, and we worked collaboratively with our ground handling partners to ensure loading was completed with care.”

Last week marked the start of the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, providing Kenya unrestricted access to the UK market — free of duty and quota restrictions.

In a communication from the British High Commission Nairobi, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kenya, Theo Clarke MP, said: “I’m delighted the Kenya-UK Economic Partnership Agreement is now legally in force – providing stability and certainty for UK and Kenyan businesses alike. The agreement also guarantees permanent duty-free, quota-free access to UK markets for Kenya from day one, and gradually improved access for UK exports over time, whilst protecting sensitive goods.”

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