Kenya Airways reclaims African Cargo Airline of the Year Award

KENYA AIRWAYS CAPTURES MAJOR CARGO AWARD

(Posted 02nd March 2015)

The just ended Air Cargo Africa 2015 Conference in South Africa’s Centre Court, Hotel Casino Convention Resort at Emperors Palace, The City of Ekurhuleni saw Kenya Airways walk away with a huge recognition as Africa’s ‘Cargo Airline of the Year’.

The three day event, which has grown in importance since the initial two conferences held in Johannesburg and Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders from around the world, who are seeking to carve out a niche in the lucrative and fast growing air cargo market into and out of Africa which last year grew by 6.1 percent, ahead of world average.

The STAT Trade Times, popularly known as STAT TIMES has striven to promote excellence in the air cargo industry and has consistently publicized excellence through its columns. Consistent with its policy of promoting excellence in the field of air cargo operations, STAT TIMES has instituted the STAT TIMES INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AIR CARGO. The Awards, in various categories, were presented during a glittering Gala Award Night function on the 26th February at the Barnyard Theatre in Rivonia with Kenya Airways taking the big prize home with them to Nairobi. The evening was organized as part of the 3rd biannual ‘AIR CARGO AFRICA 2015 Conference’. ‘Receiving this prestigious award is a great honour and a powerful endorsement by our customers of the airline’s focus and dedication to providing the highest levels of service. It sets us apart in the increasingly competitive African region and confirms that we are on the right track’ said Mr. Dick Murianki, General Manager KQ Cargo.

The development comes hot on the heels of Siginon Freight announcing the opening in July of a 1 billion Kenya Shillings private air cargo terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The fresh produce section alone will be able to process some 120 tonnes of perishable goods a week besides being able to store over 160 pallets of other cargo items in their general cargo section, both of which will have direct air side access.

Nairobi has over the years become a major cargo hub in Africa from where fresh produce, chilled fish and of course cut flowers are exported to the key markets in the Gulf and Europe.

Kenya Airways has followed this trend with the introduction of two B737-300C’s which were converted into freighters, besides their long haul joint venture with KLM / Martinair on a regular Africa – Europe – Asia – Africa run. The 737’s serve a range of African destinations which are too small in cargo terms to cater for a full wide body freighter but nevertheless need to be served adequately.

All major European and Middle Eastern cargo airlines are coming to Nairobi while wide body passenger jets supplement the available uplift capacity with underfloor cargo space.