Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, has bagged the prestigious deal to carry Kenya’s cargo from JKIA to Europe and Asia using six of its passenger aircrafts.
The move has attracted foul cries from Kenya Airways (KQ), arguing that the deal will give Ethiopian carrier leverage in a period when KQ is solely depending on cargo shipment for revenues, after suspension of all international passenger flights.
Business Daily reports that the Ministry of Transport’s move to allow Ethiopian Airlines to vary its license for passenger planes risks costing KQ its business of shipping flowers, fresh fruits, vegetables, etc, to Kenya’s largest market, Europe.
KQ chief executive officer Allan Kilavuka said the carrier was not consulted on the impact that the Ethiopian Airlines deal would have on its business.
We have objected to the move to have Ethiopian Airlines use their passenger flights for cargo business in Kenya because we were not consulted on the impact that this would have on our business. Anytime you have a carrier wanting to come to your domain, you need to be consulted so that you are not disadvantaged at your primary market.
BD Quotes Kenya Airways CEO, Allan Kilavuka
KQ is suffering more losses after the government barred movement into and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, making it entirely dependent on cargo business. However, the national carrier has already applied for a state bailout to remain afloat.
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