KQ in conjunction with Skyports, a UK-based logistics firm, announced that they will operate commercial drones in the country.
This comes after KQ was forced to reduce its commercial flights when the Covid-19 pandemic struck the country. KQ ventures into drone delivery services to close the gap created by the pandemic from restricted passenger travel.
This partnership came as a result of Skyports being known as expertise in air mobility operations and KQ being the most popular airline in Africa. Skyports has been given approvals in the UK to conduct medical drone delivery services and KQ is eyeing to implement the same in Kenya.
KQ announced on Tuesday that it had already signed a memorandum with Skyports.
“The partnership aims to explore the commercial viability and impact of various medical, logistical, and inspection use cases alongside Kenya’s leading public and private institutions with the launch of the first drone delivery flights slated for Q3-Q4 this year,” said KQ and Skyport in a joint statement.
According to KQ chief executive officer, Allan Kilavuka, the partnership will give KQ access to available equipment and established operations, that will lay the foundation for the Kenyan and regional drone market, through the drone and Fahari Aviation technologies.
“Our partnership with Kenya Airways can unlock significant opportunities for drone deliveries and inspections in Kenya, creating time and cost savings for our customers and contribute to the growth of the country’s tech and aviation ecosystem,” said Duncan Walker, CEO at Skyports.
