Low-cost carrier AirAsia X makes inaugural flight to Kenya

Kenya’s efforts to attract tourists from Malaysia and the larger Asian market have received a great boost after low-cost carrier AirAsia X (AAX) inaugural flight to Kenya touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The flight from Kuala Lumpur landed on Friday evening with 377 travellers signifying s a significant milestone in Kenya’s quest to diversify its tourist source markets.

This development is also expected to strengthen ties between the two countries, boost cultural exchange, and enhance economic collaboration through increased tourism and trade.

While receiving the flight, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, said that the direct air link is an affirmation of Kenya’s growing significance in the global tourism and travel landscape.

“Kenya is now firmly established as a regional hub and a widely recognized leader in air transport across the continent. We are delighted to have AirAsia X consider the Kenya as a partner for its expansion into the African continent.

This will greatly contribute to the target that we have of increasing our numbers to 5 million by 2027. As a country that prides itself on warm hospitality, Kenya looks forward to welcoming more visitors through this connection and harnessing new opportunities for trade, investment and tourism cooperation between our two nations,” Miano said.

She noted that the launch aligns well with Kenya’s commitment to expanding air connectivity, which she identified as vital for attracting global visitors.

“In this flight we have received visitors from China, Japan, Philippines, Singapore and from Australia. This route opens the whole of Pacific Asia, and we are grateful for this.

We are actively engaging with more carriers and collaborating with the Ministry of Transport to address bottlenecks that may hinder airlines from launching more routes to Kenya. AirAsia X’s direct flight is a crucial catalyst in this strategy, allowing us to tap into key source markets with more competitive pricing,” the CS stated.

The airline will operate four weekly flights between the two capital cities, providing a convenient and affordable option for travel between Southeast Asia and East Africa.

Apart from facilitating travel, the Kuala Lumpur-Nairobi connection will also enable AirAsia X to offer convenient fly-thru options to over 130 destinations in Asia Pacific and Australia. This expanded network will drive traffic and trade between Southeast Asia and East Africa.

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Kenya, Ruzaimi Mohamad, expressed his excitement about AirAsia X’s inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi.

“This new route is a significant milestone in our relations,” he stated. “We are thrilled to witness this direct connection, which will undoubtedly boost the number of tourists, business travelers, and students between our two countries. Strengthening these ties will foster greater understanding and collaboration, driving mutual economic growth.”

He added, “Malaysia and Kenya share many opportunities for cooperation, and this direct link opens new avenues for partnerships in trade, education, and tourism. I am confident this route will deepen the friendship between our nations and help showcase the unique beauty and culture each has to offer.”

On her part, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the flight’s strategic timing, ahead of the peak festive season. She noted that the Asia Pacific region delivered over 320,000 visitors to Kenya in 2023, with Malaysia being one of the fastest growing source markets.

“AirAsia X’s entry into Kenya has been a long-awaited development that we have eagerly anticipated. The fact that they have chosen Nairobi as their first destination in Africa, speaks of Kenya’s potential not just as a safari destination, but also a business and investment hub,” Chepkemei said.

“Recently, KTB and AirAsia X signed a collaborative agreement on enhancing connectivity between Asia and Africa to drive tourism in both regions.

This direct flight is the first step in that journey and takes us closer to realizing the full potential of this partnership. We look forward to welcoming travelers on this route to experience Kenya’s diverse and authentic attractions,” she added.

The partnership between AirAsia X and KTB includes joint promotional activities, coordinated marketing campaigns, and collaborative efforts to enhance travel experiences, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to attract more tourists and stimulate economic growth.