Lufthansa reaffirms its commitment to East Africa with new General Manager and increased flights

Lufthansa Group has announced its renewed commitment to East Africa by appointing a new General Manager, Kevin Markette, for the region and increasing the frequency of flights between Frankfurt and Nairobi. The airline will also receive more services from Swissport in Nairobi. Lufthansa Group is pleased to have Markette on board, whose reputation and qualifications speak for his vast global experience, including over 23 years of experience with Lufthansa Group. Markette will be responsible for managing the demands of the local market directly, reporting to Philippe Saeys-Desmedt, Senior Director of Sales Sub-Sahara Africa, Lufthansa Group.

TL;DR

• Lufthansa Group is relocating commercial responsibility for the passenger service back to Kenya.
• The airline is appointing a new General Manager for the East African region, Kevin Markette, stationed in Nairobi.
• Lufthansa will expand its connection between Frankfurt International and Jomo Kenyatta International airports, increasing the summer flight schedule from five to seven weekly flights.
• Lufthansa’s leisure carrier, Eurowings Discover, will continue to operate its four weekly summer flights between Frankfurt and Mombasa.
• Lufthansa Group extended its contract with Swissport in Nairobi to include air cargo and warehousing services.

Lufthansa Group has a significant commercial interest in the East African region, as it serves Mombasa, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro through Eurowings. By increasing the frequency to Nairobi, Lufthansa is underlining the importance of Kenya for the group and its long-term commitment to the region. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a crucial travel and logistics hub for many international airlines, making the new flight schedule and Swissport’s extended contract crucial for Lufthansa’s success in the region.

Increased schedule between Frankfurt and Nairobi

As global travel demand has increased, Lufthansa has reviewed the demands and made necessary adjustments to its upcoming summer flight schedule. From June 3, the airline will expand its connection between Frankfurt International and Jomo Kenyatta International airports, increasing the summer flight schedule from five to seven weekly flights. The additional flights will arrive in Nairobi at 20:30 daily and depart for Frankfurt at 22:25 EAT. Eurowings Discover will continue to operate its four weekly summer flights between Frankfurt and Mombasa, bringing the total capacity between Kenya and Germany to a staggering eleven weekly flights.

Lufthansa cargo handling in Nairobi

Before announcing the new flight schedule, Lufthansa Group extended its contract with Swissport in Nairobi, which has provided airline ramp and gate services at the Nairobi airport for more than 11 years. The continued partnership with the German flag carrier will now include air cargo and warehousing services. Swissport currently serves over 20 airline customers in Nairobi, managing 320 flights and nearly 6,000 tonnes of cargo monthly.

The renewed commitment to East Africa by Lufthansa Group will enhance its market position and trustful relationships established with its business partners and customers in the region.

Conclusion

Lufthansa Group’s increased flights and new General Manager appointment for East Africa demonstrate its long-term commitment to the region. 

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