Fly KQ or no flight, Kamau orders civil servants

BY WINSLEY MASESE

The Government has announced plans to have all civil servants travelling abroad to use the national carrier, Kenya Airways.

With a 30 per cent shareholding in the national carrier, the move designed to grow the airline’s passenger traffic is likely to cause jittery in the country’s aviation industry.

Cabinet secretary in the ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Michael Kamau said they were in the process of making the necessary arrangements to ensure this happens adding already Cabinet supports the idea.

“We are in the process of procuring the services of ten travel agents to ensure government officers exclusively travel on KQ,” he said. 

Kamau made these remarks after the arrival of  the airline’s latest addition,  Boeing 777-300-ER, purchased by the national carrier.

“The government means business and we will not fooling around and will continue investing in the aviation industry,” explained Kamau.

The aircraft is the newest edition the national carrier has acquired as it seeks to increase its presence in the global scene. Jomo Kenyatta is a major gateway in Africa and this investment seeks to tap into the increasing number of traffic into and out of the country.

The plane, which arrived from Seattle, in the US, after an 18-hour non-stop flight marks a major milestone in the airliner’s history.

The Boeing 777-300ER touched down at the airport shortly before 4pm yesterday.

Kamau said that the new acquisition seeks to deepen Kenya’s trade with other countries, as the national carrier is the symbol of the country.

“We are focused on growing trade and tourism besides creating a key gateway between Kenya and the rest of the world,” said Kamau.

The announcement follows an earlier plea by Kenya Airways Group Chief Executive Titus Naikuni to Kenyans to be patriotic enough by promoting their local businesses.

“I urge Kenyans to support and build their own institutions. It’s time to support your name and flag,” implored Naikuni.

The new aircraft is the largest the airliner has acquired and will fly to Guangzhou, China from November 18th.

The route is expected to improve trade between Kenya and China, taking advantage of the government’s policy of going East.

Originally, KQ flights to Guangzhou had a stopover in Bangkok before proceeding. With the new flight, the airliner is expected to increase the number of flights to three times a week.

“This is the largest aeroplane in Africa and also the one with the largest engine in our fleet,” Naikuni said.

The arrival of the aircraft is part of the company’s expansion strategy under Project Mawingu.

“We remain optimistic in the coming years, as there are other aircrafts in the pipeline,” said Naikuni.

US ambassador to Kenya Robert Codec said KQ’s newest edition is part of an effort between the two countries to strengthen economic ties.

“Kenya is a powerhouse in the region and is strategically positioned and we will do business together,” he said.