May 15, 2026: Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed a partnership with FedEx, becoming the American carrier’s ground handling partner in Kenya in a move that reinforces Nairobi’s growing status as a leading regional cargo and logistics hub.
The agreement marks the first time FedEx has selected Kenya Airways for ground handling operations, underscoring rising international confidence in the airline’s operational capabilities, ground handling infrastructure, reliability and strategic regional positioning.
Under the partnership, Kenya Airways will support FedEx’s cargo handling operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest aviation and freight gateways.
The development comes at a time of sustained global growth in air cargo demand, fueled by the expansion of e-commerce, pharmaceutical logistics, perishables exports, and increasingly time-sensitive international supply chains.
Kenya Airways Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Cpt. George Kamal, said the partnership represents a major endorsement of Kenya Airways’ operational standards and Nairobi’s strategic importance in global trade connectivity.
“This partnership with FedEx is a strong validation of Kenya Airways’ capability to deliver world-class ground handling services that meet international standards,” said Kamal. “It reinforces Nairobi’s role as a critical logistics and aviation gateway linking Africa to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. As global trade patterns continue to evolve, we are positioning JKIA at the center of efficient, reliable, and integrated cargo movement across the continent.”
Industry analysts say ground handling partnerships are becoming increasingly critical within global aviation networks because they directly affect cargo turnaround efficiency, supply chain reliability, aircraft operations, and overall logistics competitiveness.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen Kenya’s broader ambition to position JKIA as East Africa’s leading cargo consolidation and distribution center as continental trade accelerates under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Kenya remains one of Africa’s largest air freight exporters, particularly in flowers, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value perishables that rely on fast and dependable cargo connectivity.
With the FedEx agreement, Kenya Airways further solidifies its role in shaping Africa’s evolving aviation logistics landscape.
Kenya Airways operates ground handling services through its subsidiary, Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited (KAHL), which provides cargo handling and warehousing services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. The business supports the handling of imports, exports, transit cargo, and specialized
shipments, including perishables and pharmaceuticals, positioning JKIA as a key regional cargo gateway in East Africa.
-ENDS
About Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to 45 destinations worldwide, 37 of which are in Africa. In 2022 and 2023 the World Travel Awards recognized KQ as Africa’s Leading Airline, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine (Msafiri). In 2023 KQ was awarded Best Airline Staff in Africa at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards. KQ’s fleet comprises of wide-body Boeing aircraft that includes its flagship B787 Dreamliner and narrow-body Embraer E190 aircraft. The on-board service is renowned worldwide and the lie-flat business class seat on the wide body aircraft is consistently voted among the world’s top 10. Kenya Airways takes pride in being at the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through its hub at the new ultra-modern Terminal 1A at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
