Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo) has expanded its route network to include direct cargo flights between Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mogadishu in Somalia.

The new route will be served weekly, effective 09th February 2024, and is expected to grow to two (2)  weekly frequencies in April 2024. KQ Cargo has partnered with GSA Global Cargo LLC, a global cargo sales and service agent based out of UAE, as the cargo logistics partner to service the route.

KQ Cargo recently increased its freight capacities with the entry into service of a B737-800F, which offers an extended range, connecting vital cargo hubs and opening new opportunities for cargo services to meet customers’ demands and an ever-evolving market.

According to KQ Cargo Director Dick Murianki, the new route aligns with KQ’s revamped mission of propelling Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets and strengthening KQ Cargo’s position as Africa’s preferred cargo carrier, offering unique network options for customers.

“We are delighted to expand our world-class logistics service to underserved markets with a solid product,  and we believe in having a direct service complemented by Dubai’s trader, transit, humanitarian, and project-driven traffic,” said Murianki.

“The direct route between UAE and Somalia offers huge demand for air freight transportation, particularly high-tech consumer goods, automotive parts, project cargo, and clothing,  which are the most frequently flown goods on the route. Kenya Airways has the expertise in the region, and our B737-800F’s apt capacity would be the ideal mix over the long term.”

On his part, the CEO of GSA Global Cargo LLC, Mr. Kannan Nachiappan, said that the direct connection between UAE and Somalia offers customers more capacity, cuts transit times, and reduces costs.

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“UAE, being a multimodal logistics hub, acts as a primary gateway to Africa, and having a dedicated KQ  Cargo freighter to offer this service helps cut transit times and offer scheduled main deck capacity into several remote destinations across the region. This service would cover a market characterized by narrow body belly-only options, lengthy transit times, and expensive rates,” said Nachiappan.

Kenya Airways will also be resuming direct passenger flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu starting 15th  February 2024.