In a bold step toward regional aviation integration, Kenya Airways (KQ) and Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and improve air connectivity across East and Southern Africa.
The MoU sets the stage for deepened collaboration between the two national carriers, with a focus on creating a mutually beneficial, cost-effective, and sustainable growth trajectory. The agreement was formally signed at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam by Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, and Peter Ulanga, CEO of Air Tanzania.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to building regional capacity to support economic growth, trade, and tourism across East Africa,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group CEO, Kenya Airways. “By collaborating with Air Tanzania, we can offer our customers more flexible and efficient travel solutions.”
The agreement identifies multiple areas of strategic cooperation, including:
- Knowledge Exchange: Sharing of expertise, industry best practices, and operational insights
- Human Resource Training: Joint capacity-building efforts across airline staff and technical teams
- Engineering & MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul): Enhancing regional technical capabilities
- Cargo Operations: Streamlining freight logistics across key trade corridors
- Innovation & Safety: Promoting tech-driven solutions and world-class safety standards
- Technical Cooperation: Coordinating operational efficiencies to reduce redundancies
This holistic approach is designed to transform competition into collaboration, reinforcing Africa’s position as a unified aviation hub capable of meeting the demands of rising regional air traffic.
The signing is more than just a bilateral agreement — it marks a regional milestone in the ongoing push for air transport integration under the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) framework.
“Together with Kenya Airways, we are creating a stronger, more connected aviation landscape that will benefit our economies and our people,” said Peter Ulanga, CEO, Air Tanzania.
The partnership comes as both airlines continue expanding their fleet and regional footprint, aligning their business strategies with the increasing demand for intra-Africa travel.
About Kenya Airways (KQ) – The Pride of Africa
- Destinations: 45 global destinations, including 37 across Africa
- Passengers: Serves over 5 million passengers annually
- Cargo: Handles over 70,000 tonnes of cargo yearly
- Alliance: Only African airline in the SkyTeam Alliance, accessing 1,060 destinations in 173 countries
- Awards: Winner of Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa (2024) – Skytrax
- Hub: Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Kenya Airways has earned global recognition for blending operational excellence with authentic African hospitality.
About Air Tanzania (ATCL) – The Wings of Kilimanjaro
- Fleet: 16 aircraft including Dreamliners, Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A220s, and Q400s
- Destinations: Over 15 domestic and 13 international destinations, with 120+ weekly flights
- Hub: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- International Routes: Dubai, Mumbai, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Guangzhou, Kinshasa, Harare, Entebbe, and more
- Future Expansions: Juba, Lagos, Accra, Muscat, and London
- Certifications: IOSA-certified and IATA member
- Heritage: Founded in 1977 after the dissolution of East African Airways
ATCL represents Tanzania’s national pride and is steadily positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s aviation transformation.
Implications for Regional Trade and Tourism
The Kenya Airways–Air Tanzania MoU is expected to:
- Facilitate seamless passenger and cargo movement between East and Southern Africa
- Enhance tourism flows through harmonized routes and scheduling
- Strengthen regional aviation infrastructure via technical training and joint maintenance
- Open new investment opportunities in logistics, travel tech, and aviation services
- Support Africa’s economic integration agenda through aviation-led connectivity
Summary Table
| Category | Kenya Airways (KQ) | Air Tanzania (ATCL) |
|---|---|---|
| Destinations | 45 (37 in Africa) | 15+ Domestic, 13+ International |
| Passengers | 5M+ per year | Growing rapidly regionally |
| Cargo Volume | 70,000+ tons | Dedicated freighter services |
| Fleet Size | Modern mixed fleet | 16 aircraft including B787, A220 |
| Hub | Nairobi (JKIA) | Dar es Salaam (JNIA) |
| Alliance | SkyTeam Member | IATA, AFRAA Member |
| Awards | Skytrax Best Staff/Crew 2024 | Leading National Carrier |
| Focus Areas | Tech, MRO, Innovation, Safety | Network growth, Safety, Training |
