Kenya Airways to launch direct flights to Hong Kong

A new investor in the Hong Kong aviation market, Kenya Airways Ltd, will launch its first direct connection between East Africa and Hong Kong later this year.

It will be the first new flight to be operated after the containment of the SARS outbreak.

The decision marks a strategic move for Kenya Airways to expand into the Asia market, and reflects the importance of Hong Kong as the key aviation hub in Asia.

The airline established a business presence in Hong Kong this month to oversee what will be itsonly route into north Asia.

Starting from September 3, three weekly flights will originate in Hong Kong with a short stop-over in Bangkok, providing customers with connections to the entire African continent via Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

A spokesperson for Kenya Airways, Ms Merita Ombuor, said today (July 18) the airline had great confidence in the Asian aviation market.

"Despite the current worldwide economic slowdown, we believe that there is still much room for the expansion of flight services in the region, particularly in mainland China, which continues to show strong economic growth," she said.

"We expect to recruit an adequate number of Hong Kong cabin crew members to staff the three weekly Hong Kong flights and in preparation for future expansion," Ms Ombuor said.

Hong Kong, she said, was clearly Asia's leading business hub and a bridgehead to enter the mainland market. Recruiting high-calibre local talent would facilitate the company’s regional expansion.

The acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr John Rutherford, said the addition of Kenya Airways would further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the aviation hub of choice in Asia.

"The new direct flights will enhance our city's connectivity with the rich and diverse economies of East Africa, bringing new business and tourism opportunities to each market," he said.

"This initiative is also the latest indication that our travel industry is back in business after a difficult period."

Kenya Airways currently offers almost 1,500 weekly city pair connections and, together with its strategic partner KLM, provides flights to over 300 destinations worldwide.

End/Friday, July 18, 2003