Delta Airlines and Kenya Airways Strengthen Partnership to Expand African Routes

Travelers looking to explore the continent of Africa now have new options when traveling from the United States.

Announced this week, Delta Air Lines is expanding its partnership with Kenya Airways. This partnership allows frequent flyers to earn miles on each other’s flights when flying on the same itinerary. Consequently, it provides a more seamless travel experience to 31 destinations in Africa and 57 in North America.

Kenya Airways operates a nonstop service from their hub at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. This strategic partnership will enhance the travel experience on this crucial route. For example, Delta customers can easily purchase a ticket for the nonstop flight from JFK to Nairobi via Delta’s platforms, even though the flight is operated by Kenya Airways.

The nonstop flight lasts 13 hours and 45 minutes and is operated on a Boeing 787-8. This aircraft accommodates 30 passengers in the ‘Premier World’ Business cabin and 204 passengers in the Economy cabin.

“At a time when we are seeing unprecedented demand for travel between North America and Africa, expanding our strategic partnership with Kenya Airways offers our customers more travel options and supports our priority to deepen our presence across the African continent,” Delta’s President of International, Alain Bellemare, stated in a release.

Kenya Airways, known as “The Pride of Africa”, was founded in 1977. As per the airline’s website, in June 2023, Kenya Airways launched the Asante Rewards program. Members can earn loyalty points and benefits while achieving status through flying.

This summer, Delta has also announced other strategic partnerships to broaden their global network, further enhancing travel options for passengers.