Tuesday, June 8, 2010: Kenya Airways has launched daily flights to Juba; the capital of South Sudan from 7th June 2010.  The new route becomes its 40th destination in Africa and 49th worldwide.

The airline will operate direct flights on the 72seater Embraer jet daily from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 1140hrs, departing from Juba International Airport at 1420hrs.

KQ will offer its seamless connection to anticipated passengers travelling from Juba to Europe and Far East as well as to the other 39 destinations across Africa. 

As has been the case with every new route launched by Kenya Airways, passengers are being offered an introductory USD 49 fare on this route for a period of time to celebrate the 49th destination that the airline flies to.

“Juba has become one of the important economic hub for South Sudan and Africa. Kenya Airways is synonymous with contributing to sustainable development across Africa; as a result we envisage to provide a seamless connection service to all passengers travelling in and out of Juba for business and development opportunities,” said Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. Titus Naikuni during the ceremony to mark the inaugural flight.

Minister for Trade Hon Amos Kimunya presided over the occasion and lauded the addition of the route to Kenya Airways network. He noted that this was expected to raise the growth of trade relations between the two regions. “Aviation transport is a key element in the enhancement of trade and I believe that the introduction of these regular flights will enhance the trading activity between us,” said the Minister.

Speaking in Juba at a ceremony to mark the arrival of the inaugural Kenya Airways flight to the capital, Southern Sudan Vice President Dr Riek Machar lauded the commencement of daily flights by Kenya Airways. “This inaugural service by to Southern Sudan marks an important milestone for us as it will help connect our region with the rest Africa as well as the international network that Kenya Airways serves”, he said

KQ has launched eight new destinations in the recent past including Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangui in Central Africa, Gaborone in Botswana, Ndola – Zambia, Malabo in the Equatorial Guinea and most recently launched flights to Muscat in Oman.
Kenya Airways has continued to invest heavily in expanding its network to cater for the growing customer needs. This route expansion plan has been accompanied by fleet modernization and a commitment to safety and growing aviation standards in the continent.
Kenya Airways operates the youngest fleet in sub-Saharan Africa.