Kenya Airways gets initial approval to operate JKIA

Kenya Airways (KQ) looks to gain control of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, as the airline is in talks to work jointly with Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). The proposal, which gained Cabinet approval, would cover operation of the airport, giving the airline more preferential treatment at its Nairobi hub.

Kenya Airways, which is undergoing a turnaround plan, is aiming to narrow the gap with its competition, who all receive preferential treatment at their respective hubs.

“KQ and KAA jointly confirm that they are in discussions about future collaboration which will result, if finalized, in a significant improvement in the operations and performance of both organizations and assist the Government in its desire to ensure that Kenya plays a vital and leading role in the airline industry in Africa,” said a statement issued by KQ and KAA.

JKIA aims to transform into an African aviation hub, similar to what Ethiopian Airlines has done with Addis Ababa. Other initiatives may include delaying licenses to other airlines operating at Nairobi, and denying frequency increases.