Written by ALLY HAMISI

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA - Kenya Airways has signed a commercial partnership agreement with Zambian based, Zambezi Airlines, which will see the latter introduce three weekly flights between Lusaka and Nairobi.

 
  The partnership will also  and also connect passengers to all the major cities served by the Kenyan flag carrier.

 
From March 2, this year, Zambezi Airlines passengers will be able to purchase tickets for travel to Nairobi and from there connection to any of Kenya Airways 50 destinations in Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, Asia, Europe and America.

 
According to a statement from Zambezi Airlines' Dar es Salaam office, Zambezi Airlines will operate to Nairobi on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

 
Speaking to the East African Business Week from Lusaka last week, Kenya Airways Country Manager, Rose Kiseli, said the move was driven by the desire to exploit Zambia's geographical location.

 
“The decision to partner with Zambezi Airlines was driven by the desire of the management of Zambezi Airlines to pursue world class aviation standards and not to under rate the potential known to all of Zambia's geographical location as a regional hub,” said Ms Kiseli.

 
She said the alliance reaffirmed Kenya Airways commitment to support Africa's aviation industry and would enable Zambezi Airlines passengers to connect to Africa and the world through the Kenya Airways hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

 
The Zambezi Airlines' Chief Executive Officer, Mr Don Macdonald said while airlines partnership would enable the airline to be seen on flight schedules globally as Kenya Airways was a member of the global Skyteam airline alliance.

 
“What this means is that travelers throughout the world will be able to see our flight schedules and be able to plan their trips utilizing the best connections possible,” said Macdonald, adding that Zambezi Airlines has acquired a Boeing 737-3000 series aircraft as part of its expansion programme.