Kenya Airways has set its sights on generating $2.5M(Sh322 M) in revenue from the sale of duty-free products to passengers by the close of 2024.
This move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance its income streams, according to Michael Ithau, In-flight Performance Manager at KQ.
According capitalfm.co.ke, Ithau further highlighted that 80 percent of the products sold on board to passengers en route to various destinations are sourced from Africa. The airline offers a convenient shopping experience, enabling customers to shop from their seats during flights or within the terminal.
The competitively priced range includes international and travel-exclusive brands, offering a selection of women’s and men’s fragrances, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, watches, and smart gadgets. This service is designed to enhance the passenger experience while contributing to the airline’s financial growth.
“This year we are targeting a total of 322 million from our duty free sales products that we offer to our customers on board. Our products packaging is done based on the route of travel,” said Ithau KQ Inflight Manager.
In 2023, the National carrier hit 203 million from its duty-free sales products, surpassing its target of 167 million duty-free sales.
The products ranged from fragrances, perfumes, and jewelry, including wrist watches.
“80 percent of the sales come from Africa particularly from our customers traveling to Johannesburg in South Africa, Kigali Rwanda,Lagos Nigeria, Acra Ghana and free town,” stated Ithau.
The airline reviews its product catalog twice each year in order to meet its customers demands and needs.
KQ announced its historic profit after tax of Sh513 million for the six months ending June 30, 2024.
Reduced exposures from foreign currency fluctuations and loan restructuring by the state helped grow the revenue.
Additionally, improved cargo and passenger businesses resulted in the net profit.
This represents a 102 percent rise compared to the Sh21.7 billion loss reported during the same period last year.
“We have had rough moments previously. These figures therefore are a testament to the power of what we can achieve when we work together,” KQ chairman Michael Joseph said.
