September 2024, Edition
Jambo, and welcome to the September 2024 edition of KQ Jetsetter. This month’s edition highlights our efforts in improving customers digital experience through the launch of our revamped online booking platform as well as the new online self-rebooking service. Additionally, discover exclusive updates on our latest partnerships, exciting events, travel, and route information.
Thank you for staying in touch!
Chat With KQ Jetsetter
In this latest episode, we catch up with KQ's Ancillaries & Holidays, Product Development Executives, Lynda Bosire and Dixie Odhiambo, to learn more about KQ Ancillaries and the current offering available to our customers.
Additionally, we get exclusive insights on how customers can access some of the products, such as chargeable or paid seating, last-minute upgrades, and the various benefits to our valued customers.
To listen to our previous episodes of the Chat With KQ Jetsetter Podcast, visit our KQ YouTube and Spotify channels.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
KQ Introduces A New Online Booking Platform
Kenya Airways recently introduced a newly revamped online booking platform, designed to deliver a faster, more intuitive, and user-friendly experience for our customers. Building upon our successful launch of a new website last year, these latest developments mark the second phase in our ongoing commitment to enhance the online customer experience.
Commenting on this, our Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, highlighted that technology is the key driver in ensuring exceptional customer service, and this revamped booking platform delivers a significantly smoother online experience, streamlining everything from flight searches to booking, payment, and check-in for our digital-savvy customers.
The new booking engine, which promises to take your online booking experience to the next level, boasts impressive features and functionalities such as:
New Online Self-Booking Service
Concurrently, Kenya Airways introduced a free online self-rebooking service for customers that will now allow our customers to rebook themselves seamlessly in case their flight is canceled or rescheduled without calling the contact center. This service gives guests the control to select the flight that is convenient for them based on their schedule.
The new self-rebooking service will streamline the process of rebooking passengers during flight disruptions, which was previously manual. The introduction of this service aims to significantly improve our ability to manage disruptions, ensuring that customers are quickly and efficiently rebooked on alternative flights with minimal inconvenience, thus enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
KQ Opens Asante Executive Hub Centre at KICC
On 23rd September 2024, Kenya Airways launched the Asante Executive Hub, a first-of-its-kind government travel centre at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya. This unique hub is designed to offer one-stop travel solutions for government and private sector executive travellers, offering a comprehensive range of travel options including ticketing, customer care while prioritising convenience, safety, and efficiency at the highest standards.
Strategically nestled within the KICC, the Asante Executive Hub is perfectly positioned to cater to international travellers attending global conferences and events. This prime location not only enhances the convenience for our esteemed guests but also solidifies KQ’s pivotal role in the executive and government travel space.
During the launch event, our Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka and Chief Commercial & Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, were in attendance, along with key figures including Kenya's Principal Secretary, State Department of Transport, Mohammed Dhagar, Principal Administrative Secretary for Public Service, Arthur Osiya and KICC Chief Executive Officer, James Mwaura.
Commenting on this launch, our Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, emphasised how the Asante Executive Hub is a testament to our dedication to serving government clients with the utmost care. This new facility positions KQ as the preferred partner for government travel management, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and fostering stronger partnerships with government officials.
In the coming months, The Asante Executive Hub will transition into a fully accredited IATA Billing and Settlement (BSP) Plan entity. This transition will allow Kenya Airways to offer expanded services, including ticketing services for other airlines, executive charter services, and advanced online travel management.
PARTNERSHIPS
KQ, Konza City Partner for a Tree-Planting Innitiative
On 6th September 2024, KQ joined forces with Konza Technopolis for a tree-planting initiative at the Konza Green Zone. Together, we planted over 200 indigenous trees, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
In attendance representing KQ leadership at the event, which served as a prelude to the 41st IASP World Conference taking place from 24th – 27th September 2024, was our Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Hellen Mwariri. The event also featured a tour of various facilities at Konza Technopolis by KQ Staff.
As the official airline partner, KQ is offering exclusive discounts to all delegates flying with us or any SkyTeam network airlines. This initiative aligns with our sustainability commitments and is a significant step in our joint efforts toward environmental conservation.
KQ, KFS Partnership for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
On 13th September 2024, our sustainability team took an exciting step forward by exploring a partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to enhance local production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This collaboration aims to utilize renewable resources such as yellow oleander, croton, and castor seeds for SAF production, contributing to significant reductions in carbon emissions and lowering reliance on imported fuel.
The team, under the leadership of our Sustainability Lead, Wakina Mutembei, alongside our Sustainability Specialist, Susan Nambusi, discussed plans to adopt forest land where we will cultivate high-energy seed trees for SAF production. This initiative represents a key part of our Decarbonization Agenda, reaffirming our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and a greener future for aviation.
EVENTS
KQ Cargo Celebrates International Dog Day
On 25th August 2024, KQ Cargo participated in the annual International Dog Day Festival, which was held in Karen, Nairobi. The event, which celebrates canine companions and raises awareness about pet transport solutions, provided a platform for KQ Cargo to showcase its commitment to safe, reliable, and comfortable pet transportation.
During the event, KQ Cargo showcased KQ Live, a specialised service designed for transporting live animals. We demonstrated the intricate Animal (AVI) uplift process, providing attendees with insights into the care and attention given to each pet during transit. In addition to showcasing our services, KQ Cargo also awarded prizes in various categories, including Best Groomed Pet, Best Trained Tricks, Best Scavenger, Best Bomb Hunter, and Most Beautiful Pet.
The International Dog Day Festival provided an opportunity to engage with a new clientele base and reinforce its reputation as a trusted provider of pet transportation services. As the company continues to expand its global network, KQ Cargo remains dedicated to offering safe and reliable solutions for pet owners worldwide.
KQ Takes Part in The Aviation Challenge 2024
Recommended by LinkedIn
On 6th September 2024, we proudly launched our participation in the third edition of The Aviation Challenge (TAC) 2024, formerly The Sustainable Flight Challenge with our first showcase flight featuring the fuel-efficient Boeing B-787 Dreamliner. This flight marked the start of our renewed commitment to promoting sustainability in aviation as part of the global initiative.
Building on past successes, including the Best Partnership Award in 2022 and the Most Breakthrough Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) category in 2023, we continue to enhance our eco-friendly practices. Recent efforts include a comprehensive audit aimed at reducing single-use plastics, leading to the introduction of eco-friendly alternatives for in-flight materials. Moreover, our Business Class menu now exclusively features 100% locally sourced ingredients, sourced from sustainable, non-GMO, and organic farming practices.
As we move forward in the competition, sustainability remains at the heart of our mission, reflecting our ongoing dedication to creating a greener future for aviation.
KQ Showcases Kenya at "The Colors of Africa" Event
From 9th –11th September 2024, Kenya Airways proudly participated in the "The Colours of Africa" event hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, Thailand. This prestigious event provided a platform for us to showcase Kenya's vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and robust business opportunities to a global audience.
Representing Kenya Airways at the event were our Country Manager, Thailand, Chaichan Khongstrithong, alongside Sales & Account Manager Ratchadawan Thuvanuti. They joined key guests, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Thailand, His Excellency, Kiptiness Lindsay Kimwole, in promoting Kenya's unique offerings.
KQ partnered with the Kenyan Embassy to set up a joint booth, attracting significant interest from ambassadors, government officials, local media, and trade representatives. Our participation further strengthens our ties with Thailand and underscores our commitment to promoting tourism and trade through our extensive network.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
KQ Operates First Flight Under EASA Certification
On 13th September 2024, we successfully operated our first flight to Kinshasa, fully staffed by crew certified under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This significant achievement positions Kenya Airways among a select group of African carriers to earn this prestigious certification.
A total of 71 cabin crew members successfully underwent the training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle safety and service functions on European-registered aircraft during Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) operations. This achievement underscores KQ's commitment to providing the highest level of service to our passengers while adhering to international safety standards.
Commenting on this important milestone, our Chief Operating Officer, George Kamal, congratulated the certified crew members and highlighted how this achievement demonstrates their proficiency in meeting the rigorous standards of this prestigous certification. This achievement elevates our operational capabilities, furthering our mission to adhere to the highest international safety and service standards.
FREQUENCY & TRAVEL UPDATES
Kigali
Enjoy expanded flexibility with our daily flights options to choose from between Nairobi and Kigali. Embark on an unforgettable journey where vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible wildlife adventures await.
Douala
KQ now operates 5 weekly non-stop flights between Douala and Nairobi, offering you a shorter flight time and better connectivity through Nairobi and beyond.
Johannesburg
Our 5 weekly flights on the night-time window, are now available on Boeing B-787 Dreamliner. This is part of the 26 weekly flights operated by KQ to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Cape Town
Our 3 weekly non-stop Nairobi to Cape Town flights are now available on Boeing B-787 Dreamliner, offering 30 full lie-flat seats in Business and 204 Economy seats with generous seat pitch.
Jet Byte: Did you Know?
Some airplanes have secret bedrooms for flight crew?
Flight attendants on long-distance flights often work long hours, sometimes up to 18 hours in a day. To help them stay alert and rested, some airplanes, like the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner, have special sleeping areas for the crew.
These areas are usually accessed through a secret staircase and can have several beds, a bathroom, and even entertainment options.
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Catch up on the latest from our YouTube Channel
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Editors: Mwajuma Salim & Raymond Kigai.
Consultant SAP Digital Adoption Platform - SAP Enable Now | Digital Adoption & Digital Learning Enthusiastic - chez Applium
3moKenya Airways arrive with a delay of 2h45 min and we missed our next fly because of this delay. We had to pay more than 1300 € to buy a new fly because Kenya Airways let us with any solutions. No customer service answering. No possibility to have someone to the phone. And when we are asking now to Kenya Airways to apply the Montreal Convention Art°19 which regulate the international behavior of Airlines Companies : Kenya Airways is refusing a refund of our money. I will write my story every where to convince people to don't fly with Kenya Airways. We were a couple with 2 children of 7 years and 2 years old and 7 lugages. Kenya Airways is a SCAM. DON'T FLY WITH THIS SCAM COMPANIE.
CABIN CREW-PRIDE STAR
3moImpressive
Front Office Receptionist at Cesscolina East Africa Ltd
3moWow impressive 👏,,,,is there a way I could get a cleaning job there?
Attended New York University
3moExcellent work
security engineer// Adroid developer// IT specialist// Graphic designer
3moImpressive