Starting from the 1st of April 2023, Southern African carrier Malawi Airlines will re-introduce flights between Lilongwe Kamuzu International (LLW) and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO).
According to Simple Flying, Malawi Airlines has also re-introduced Friday NBO flights between the two destinations.
The first flight ET51, which was operated on a Boeing 737-800, took off from NBO at 06:33 and arrived at LLW around 07:30. The flights from Malawi will be operated on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday. Meanwhile, the return flights will be operated on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Jomo Kenyatta Airport is among the busiest airports in Africa, connecting many Africans to the rest of the world. Recently, Kenya and South Africa removed visa requirements for their citizens, which gives Kenyans easier access to Southern Africa. Furthermore, adding flights on the LLW-NBO route will provide a convenient connection for Malawians and other Southern Africans to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Malawi Airlines was formerly known as Air Malawi and then Malawi Airlines until 2016. It was established as a joint venture between the Malawian government and Ethiopian Airlines, so its flights use the code ET. It is the flag carrier of Malawi; however, Ethiopian Airlines operates it under a management contract and owns a 49% stake.
The airline continues spreading its wings and offers flights to popular destinations like Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam. Its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines allows frequent flyers to earn and spend rewards on Malawi Airlines flights. The airline had been recording losses since 2014 but has been profitable since 2021. As it has recovered from the effects of the pandemic, it has maintained its reputation for providing quality services around Southern Africa. Malawi Airlines currently has a fleet of three aircraft; two B737s and one DHC-8-Q400.
The resumption of flights between LLW and NBO will boost intra-Africa connectivity. It comes at a time when stakeholders are making efforts to boost flights within Africa by African airlines. Kenya Airways and Astral Aviation also operate flights on this route. In addition to intra-Africa air travel, airlines continue enhancing their international networks. As the world has opened up, we are seeing numerous African airlines flying to new destinations beyond the continent and the re-introduction of previously popular routes.
Jomo Kenyatta Airport is set to see more activity as another airline plans to connect it with international markets. Nairobi-based Astral Aviation seeks to spread its wings to Abu Dhabi, connecting Kenya with the Middle East. Following a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways Cargo, the carrier has now signed a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Cargo.
Ethiopian Airlines is no stranger to the international market, which it continues to explore. Earlier this week, the carrier relaunched flights between Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD) and Singapore Changi International airports (SIN). After ceasing flights due to the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines returned to Singapore and received a warm welcome. The airline will operate four weekly flights between the two destinations. Singapore is one of the world’s financial hubs, so the resumption of these fights will boost trade and tourism between Africa and Asia.
