Sunday August 4, 2024
An AirAsia X Airbus A330 soars through the clouds, marking the airline's new direct route connecting Nairobi, Kenya, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, starting November 15.
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — AirAsia X, the low-cost carrier specializing in medium-haul routes, will launch direct flights connecting Nairobi, Kenya, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, starting November 15. The route marks the first time a Malaysian low-cost airline offers direct flights to Nairobi, greatly enhancing travel between East Africa and Southeast Asia.
The new route is expected to boost trade and business for Somali entrepreneurs, particularly those in Nairobi's Eastleigh district, known as "Little Mogadishu." Access to new markets in Malaysia and Southeast Asia can expand business opportunities. Job opportunities in sectors like aviation, logistics, and hospitality may also arise, encouraging further economic engagement between the two regions.
The new route eliminates long layovers, allowing for easier travel between the two regions. The service includes a Fly-Thru connection, linking Nairobi to over 130 destinations across Southeast Asia, Northern Asia, Central Asia, and Australia.
The direct flights will make it easier for Somali students in Nairobi and East Africa to access educational institutions in Malaysia, a country known for its high-quality international education. Enhanced connectivity can foster academic exchange programs and vocational training opportunities, further enhancing the skills and employability of Somali youth.
Improved travel between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur will facilitate family reunions and strengthen ties within the Somali diaspora. It also opens access to specialized medical treatments available in Malaysia, enhancing healthcare options for Somalis in Nairobi.
The direct flight is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Kenya and Malaysia. Ekitela Moru, Kenya's High Commissioner-Designate to Malaysia, emphasized the importance of the new route for bilateral relations. "This connection opens new avenues for enhanced trade, investment, and tourism between our countries," Moru said.
A map detailing AirAsia X's new direct flight route from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur, with connections to over 130 destinations across Southeast Asia, Northern Asia, Central Asia, and Australia.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, which owns AirAsia X, highlighted the strategic significance of the new route. "Connecting Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur is a pivotal moment for AirAsia X, aligning with our vision of making Kuala Lumpur a global aviation hub," Fernandes said.
Flights will operate four times a week. The Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur flight, D7 102, departs at 12:30 a.m. and arrives at 3:10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with a flight time of 9 hours and 40 minutes. The Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi flight, D7 101, departs at 7:00 p.m. and arrives at 11:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a flight time of 9 hours.
The new service will be operated by an Airbus A330 and offer various cabin classes, including premium flatbed seats.
Nairobi, known for its lush greenery and wildlife, is a key tourist attraction. The city is famous for its proximity to the Masai Mara, home to the near-extinct Northern White Rhino and the Great Migration. The new route will make it easier for tourists from Southeast Asia and beyond to visit these attractions.
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, stated that the airline expects to carry over 156,000 travellers annually on this route. "This route offers excellent connectivity for Kenyans to explore key markets like Australia, China, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand," Ismail said. "We look forward to enriching cultural and economic exchanges between these dynamic regions."
To celebrate the launch, AirAsia X is offering special promotional fares for bookings made on the AirAsia MOVE app. This promotion runs until July 14, 2024, for travel between November 15, 2024, and October 8, 2025.