AirAsia X (AAX), Asia’s leading long-haul low-cost carrier, which flies to over 130 destinations worldwide, announced a strategic collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 in Nairobi yesterday (Thursday, October 3).
The route marketing collaboration coincides with the upcoming launch of AAX’s four new direct flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi every week from November 15.
The flight marks the carrier’s first foray into Africa. Chief Commercial Officer at AirAsia Group Paul Carroll told Tourism Update the airline is also exploring routes into Cape Town and Johannesburg from Kuala Lumpur.
“We are still negotiating this but hope to have the flights in place by the fourth quarter of 2025.”
The Nairobi route will test demand for flights into and from Africa, he added.
The collaboration between AAX and KTB includes joint promotional activities, coordinated marketing campaigns and collaborative efforts to enhance travel experiences. It aims to leverage the strengths of both organisations to attract more tourists and stimulate economic growth in both regions.
The East African Community region has set a goal to attract over 14 million international tourists annually by 2025 with Nairobi positioned as a major hub in its tourism strategy.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei said the new flights will enhance Nairobi’s profile as a gateway for regional and international travel, driving economic benefits and promoting cultural exchange.
“This will help us achieve our goal to receive 2.5 million tourists into Kenya by the end of 2024 and five million by the end of 2027.”
Kenya was chosen as AAX’s first destination as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the second largest transit hub in Africa.
“We are committed to working with Air Asia X to grow tourism between both countries as well as the rest of Africa and key source markets such as China, Australia, Japan and more,” said Chepkemei.
‘Major milestone’ in mission to connect Asia and Africa
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, said: “We are excited to launch our new direct route to Nairobi next month. This is a major milestone in our mission to connect Asia with Africa and opens up a world of travel possibilities between the two continents. Our route marketing collaboration with KTB demonstrates our commitment to expanding travel opportunities and boosting tourism.”
Ismail said the eight-hour direct route will carry 16 000 passengers between Nairobi and Malaysia in 2024 and over 140 000 in 2025. “If there is strong demand, we hope to start daily flights.”
The flight schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Nairobi (NBO):
In line with AAX’s commitment to working closely with local partners, the airline has partnered with Magical Aviation Services, its official GSA in Nairobi, to ensure local expertise drives its operations in the region.
Reinforcing its dedication to the Kenyan market, the airline has also opened its first sales office in Nairobi at Riverside Square.
This new office serves as a vital touchpoint for customers, offering on-the-ground support and sales services and solidifying the airline’s long-term commitment to the region.
