Introduction
AirAsia, a low-cost airline based in Malaysia officially landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Nairobi, Kenya.
The inaugural flight is a great achievement for both nations as it opens up a new travel corridor between Southeast Asia and East Africa, which will improve tourism and business which we will later discuss in the article.
A New Era of Connectivity
The first AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport arrived at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with 90% of the available seats being filled.
If this trend continues, it would mean a very profitable route for the airline.
Over the past couple of months, many Kenyans had been visiting countries such as South Africa due to the fact that visa fees were abolished making the trip cheaper.
Kenyans now have a new top destination with AirAsia’s cheap flights coupled with visa free entry.
It is crucial to note that most Kenyans are budget travelers and this is something Air Asia knew and considered before choosing Nairobi as a new route.
There were a few government officials present when the flight D7 101 landed, including the Tourism & Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano, Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemoi among others.
There will be four weekly flights, expected to provide over 156,000 seats annually.
This introduction is in line with Kenya’s goal of increasing its number of tourists to more than 5 million by 2027.
Boosting Tourism and Business
This direct flight is set to increase the flow of travelers between Malaysia and Kenya, benefiting both countries in several ways. Let’s have a look at some of them:
- Enhanced Tourism: Kenya is a top tourist destination globally. Kenya was the 7th most visited African nation in 2023 behind countries such as Egypt, Tanzania, South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This, however, has the potential to push Kenya towards the top 5 with more exposure the airline will bring.
- Business Growth: With the ease of movement now between South East Asia and Kenya, it is expected that trade between not only Malaysia and Kenya but other neighboring countries will grow. Many business people in Kenya source their products and raw materials from Asia. This connectivity will definitely be a business boost.
- Cultural Exchange: Direct flights often lead to deeper cultural exchanges, allowing people to explore and appreciate each other’s traditions, cuisines, and lifestyles. Travelers from Kenya can now easily access Kuala Lumpur, a city known for its rich heritage, vibrant street food, and iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.
Competitive Pricing and Promotional Offers
As mentioned earlier, a majority of Kenyans are budget travelers.
Therefore, AirAsia came with a very competitive pricing strategy.
The airline offers promotional fares starting from as low as RM699 (USD199) for a one-way ticket, inclusive of all fees.
These promotional fares are available for booking between 1st and 14th December 2024, with the travel period extending until 30th June 2025.
However, this price might not include checked-in baggage and a hot meal. Be sure to check the details when booking.
Competitors and Market Landscape
Air Asia has entered a market that is already seeing other airlines making their entry or doubling down. Some of the established airlines that have a strong presence here include Emirates, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines among others.
In December of 2024, Etihad will be resuming direct flights to Nairobi from Abu Dhabi.
However, one of Air Asia’s biggest competitors has to be Air Arabia, another low-cost airline based in Sharjah, UAE.
Related: Flying Kenya Airways Economy From Kenya to Ethiopia
Strengthening Regional Ties
The airline’s CEO, Benyamin Ismail, expressed optimism about the potential of the new route, stating, “AirAsia X has come a long way since our journey began nearly 17 years ago. Celebrating our direct flights to Nairobi with an almost 90% load factor showcases our dedication to our mission of providing affordable connectivity across the globe and inspiring travellers to fulfil their wanderlust by exploring some of the world’s most stunning destinations. Venturing into Africa has always been a dream of ours, and AirAsia X has been on a steady pursuit to enable more accessible and affordable worldwide air connectivity.”
High Commissioner of Kenya to Malaysia, H.E. Ekitela Moru, welcomed the new route, stating, “This new direct connection between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi presents a tremendous opportunity for growth in tourism, trade, educational exchanges and people-to-people ties between our two counties. Kenya has always been a prime destination for travellers, and now with affordable connectivity, I am confident that this route will further boost bilateral ties and promote Kenya’s rich heritage and natural beauty. As the heartbeat of Africa and the only capital with a national park, Nairobi offers limitless opportunities for wildlife encounters and nature exploration. Next year, Kenya and Malaysia will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, a fruitful partnership that has flourished across various sectors, including trade & investment, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. We strongly believe this collaboration will generate new opportunities and play a key role in driving the economic growth of both our nations.”
Conclusion
This new route will provide Kenyans and other Africans an opportunity to visit not only Malaysia but also other South East Asian countries.
We will definitely see growing figures in the business and tourism sectors.
Stay tuned by subscribing to The Africa Nomad for a review of the Air Asia flight.
