British Airways unveils new cargo carrier

By Standard Correspondent

British Airways World Cargo will next month introduce a new cargo freighter in Kenya market.

This is expected to increase its cargo carrying capacity on the Kenya-UK by 30 per cent.

The Boeing 747-8 will complement other cargo planes that the airline uses to ferry exports from Kenya to Europe and America.

Its maiden flight is slated for November 1. The new weekly service is a joint service between British Airways and Spanish carrier — Iberia.

The two operators merged early this year to form IAG Cargo. The aircraft, with a cargo capacity 120 tonnes will initially combine Johannesburg and Nairobi routes.

"There is potential in Africa and Kenya given its fresh produce exports to Europe," said Michael Muriithi, British Airways World Cargo Commercial manager for East Africa.