Kenya Airways, CemAir sign deal to expand South Africa routes

Kenya Airways (KQ), the national carrier of Kenya, has signed a strategic interline agreement with South Africa’s CemAir (5Z) to broaden air travel options between the two countries. The partnership will allow passengers seamless connections through Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT), enhancing travel across Africa. 

The deal gives Kenya Airways passengers access to CemAir’s domestic network from Johannesburg to cities including Bloemfontein, Hoedspruit, and Kimberley, as well as regional destinations such as Maun, Victoria Falls, and Harare. 

Conversely, CemAir travelers can now connect easily to Kenya Airways flights to 15 African destinations, including major hubs in Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Entebbe, Accra, and Abidjan. Single-ticket itineraries and coordinated schedules aim to simplify travel across multiple markets on the continent. 

“We are pleased to partner with CemAir to expand our network and provide customers more convenient travel across Africa,” said Captain George Kamal, acting group managing director and CEO of Kenya Airways. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to connecting people, cultures, and markets while supporting economic growth in the regions we serve.” 

Miles van der Molen, CEO of CemAir, said the agreement strengthens a long-standing relationship. “Our combined networks provide a foundation for future growth and wider connectivity across Africa,” he said. “We look forward to enhancing this collaboration for the benefit of our passengers.”

Kenya Airways expands Southern Africa flights

Kenya Airways partners with CemAir to expand South Africa and Africa routes, offering seamless flights and wider travel options.

Kenya Airways currently operates three daily flights to Johannesburg and nine weekly flights to Cape Town from Nairobi. The partnership with CemAir enhances these routes, providing stronger regional connections and broader travel options. The agreement complements Kenya Airways’ ongoing efforts to grow its network through strategic partnerships. 

Earlier this month, Kenya Airways also signed a unilateral codeshare agreement with JetBlue, aimed at improving Africa–North America travel options and offering passengers more seamless itineraries.

George Kamal guides Kenya Airways strategy

George Kamal, who assumed leadership on December 16, 2025, succeeded Allan Kilavuka as CEO. Kamal has more than 29 years of experience in aviation, spanning the Middle East and Africa. He previously held senior roles at Air Arabia and Iraqi Airways, overseeing operations and guiding growth strategies. 

Kenya Airways operates 45 destinations globally, including 37 across Africa, and handles more than five million passengers and over 70,000 tons of cargo annually through its Nairobi hub. As the only African airline in the SkyTeam Alliance, it offers access to more than 1,060 destinations in 173 countries.

George Kamal, Acting Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways (KQ)

CemAir, Kenya Airways expand African routes

CemAir, based at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, runs scheduled and charter flights under South Africa’s Part 121 and 135 approvals. The airline maintains its fleet in-house with Part 145 certification, supported by an 1,800 m² hangar, offices, and a 2,000 m² private apron for streamlined operations and maintenance.

This partnership between Kenya Airways and CemAir strengthens travel links within Africa while offering passengers more choice, simpler itineraries, and smoother connections across multiple destinations.