Emirates Airlines is deepening its presence in Kenya as trade and investment relations between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue to grow under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The Dubai-based carrier says it plans to strengthen air connectivity and cargo capacity to position Nairobi as a regional trade and aviation hub.
Emirates Strengthens Kenya–UAE Trade Links
According to Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, the CEPA deal has opened new opportunities for business, tourism, and investment between the two nations.
“The CEPA is a major milestone for Kenya and the UAE. Both countries aim to grow trade, business, and tourism over the next five years, and Emirates is proud to play a central role in facilitating these connections,” Leloup said during a media briefing in Nairobi marking Emirates’ 30 years of service in Kenya.
Signed in 2024, the Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement seeks to boost exports, attract investment, and ease trade barriers between the two countries.
Emirates Boosts Cargo Operations and Export Support
Leloup highlighted that Emirates currently operates three weekly cargo flights between Nairobi and Europe. In 2024 alone, the airline transported over 16,000 tons of Kenyan flowers, fruits, vegetables, and meat to global markets.
He added that these volumes are expected to increase as CEPA encourages more Kenyan exporters to access fast-growing markets in the UAE and the wider Middle East.
“Emirates supports Kenya’s export ambitions by connecting local producers to the world. Nairobi is not just a passenger hub but an emerging cargo gateway to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia,” Leloup said.
Partnership with Kenya Airways Expands Connectivity
Emirates’ strategic partnership with Kenya Airways (KQ), signed in 2023, has already enhanced regional and international connectivity. Over 31,000 passengers have flown under the codeshare agreement, which allows seamless travel across both networks.
Through this collaboration, Emirates passengers can reach Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, and Burundi via Kenya Airways, while KQ customers can access over 150 Emirates destinations in Europe, Asia, China, and the U.S.
“The partnership with Kenya Airways allows Emirates to reach destinations in Africa where we don’t operate directly, while giving KQ passengers access to our global network,” Leloup explained.
Emirates’ Long-Term Commitment to Kenya
Since launching operations in October 1995, Emirates has carried more than 6.6 million passengers and operated over 34,000 flights between Nairobi and Dubai. The airline employs over 1,100 Kenyans, including 250 cabin crew and 40 pilots.
Leloup reaffirmed Emirates’ commitment to supporting Kenya’s tourism and economic recovery by connecting the country to major global markets in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the U.S.
He also welcomed Kenya’s efforts toward an open skies policy, saying liberalization of African airspace would help reduce travel costs and expand connectivity.
“Open skies create opportunities for both business and leisure travel. Emirates will continue to be a key partner in connecting Kenya to the world,” he said.