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Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have announced the launch of codeshare flights to some 19 destinations, with more set to be added in the near future. Kenya Airways customers can book codeshare flights between Nairobi and Doha, as well as to 10 destinations connecting through Hamad International Airport.Similarly, Qatar Airways customers now have access to eight destinations in Kenya Airways’ network, connecting through three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi. Passengers will be able to travel on these codeshare flights from October 26. Flights will be available for sale starting tomorrow, October 21. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “We are pleased with the significant progress made in just a few months since the partnership initiated with Kenya Airways, and this enhancement is a testament of the collaborative efforts, which further strengthens our presence in Kenya and the African continent. “The recent addition of Qatar Airways’ third daily flight to Nairobi also serves as another cornerstone of this partnership that is driven by strong demand from passengers seeking reliable and seamless connectivity.”Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, said: "We are excited to embark on this new chapter of our partnership with Qatar Airways. This partnership will significantly enhance connectivity especially across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, expanding our flight offerings, and opening up a world of new destinations for our customers to explore. Together with Qatar Airways, we are dedicated to providing our customers with easy access to a variety of destinations, paired with better connectivity and a seamless travel experience."Today’s announcement enables Qatar Airways to continue expanding its footprint within the African continent, providing passengers from more than 170 destinations across the globe with easier access to key leisure and business destinations served by Kenya Airways, including Lilongwe, Livingstone, Juba, Nampula, Ndola, and Victoria Falls.Similarly, Kenya Airways passengers will now be able to connect to multiple destinations in 10 countries across Asia and the Middle East through Hamad International Airport. These destinations include Bahrain, Colombo, Islamabad, Karachi, Malé, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita.Additionally, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will earn Avios on the codeshare flights operated by Kenya Airways. The two airlines will continue to collaborate on codeshares, airport operations, lounges, sustainability and procurement. Other future phases and areas of collaboration will include network development, cargo, aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul.Kenya Airways codeshares on Qatar Airways routesBahrain, Colombo (Sri Lanka), Doha, Dhaka (Bangladesh), Islamabad and Karachi (Pakistan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Malé (Maldives), Muscat (Oman), Singapore, and Tokyo Narita (Japan).Qatar Airways codeshares on Kenya Airways routesAbidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Accra (Ghana), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Lilongwe (Malawi), Livingstone (Zambia), Juba (South Sudan), Nampula (Mozambique), and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Bin Yousef Cargo have announced the official opening of a new warehouse facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone.The facility underscores the shared commitment of both entities to strengthening Qatar’s position as a pivotal hub for regional and global supply chain and logistics.Marking a significant milestone in Bin Yousef Cargo’s expansion strategy, the facility has already completed its first shipment. Strategically located near the award-winning Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port, it offers seamless connectivity to major transportation routes, enabling Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver efficient, integrated logistics and distribution solutions to its clients.In addition to its prime location, the facility provides a comprehensive suite of value-added services, including custom packaging, inventory management, and order fulfilment, tailored to meet the needs of businesses across diverse industries in Qatar and the wider region.Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, the facility ensures optimal operational efficiency and top-tier service standards, reinforcing Bin Yousef Cargo’s position as a trusted logistics partner committed to excellence and innovation.Operating within Qatar’s free zones enables Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver cost-efficient solutions through competitive pricing and flexible terms, supporting clients in optimising their logistics costs.Customers also stand to benefit from streamlined customs procedures and duty exemptions on transshipments, simplifying trade operations and providing regulatory advantages that enhance ease of doing business in the region.Abdulla Hamad al-Binali, acting chief operating officer at QFZ, said: “The opening of Bin Yousef Cargo’s state-of-the-art facility in Qatar’s free zones is a strategic step that reflects QFZ’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the logistics sector and expanding our network of partnerships with top logistics solutions providers.“We are committed to empowering businesses with competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, and integrated logistical connectivity that provides an ideal environment for growth and expansion. The addition of Bin Yousef Cargo’s advanced facility to our ecosystem reinforces our role as a catalyst for trade excellence in the region.”Jiju Haneef, director, Cargo Operations at Bin Yousef Cargo, said: “The launch of our Qatar’s free zones warehouse and the successful execution of our maiden shipment represent a strategic leap forward in our mission to provide world-class logistics solutions.“This facility strengthens our ability to offer enhanced services, cost efficiencies, and regulatory benefits to our clients. We are proud to contribute to Qatar’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub and look forward to supporting businesses with unmatched agility and reliability.”QFZ remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investments that align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), positioning the country as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

Beyond the TarmacAn improvement in both passenger and cargo volumes in the global air transport industry during July suggests renewed economic momentum, stronger global trade, and growing travel demand clear signs of resilience and confidence in the global air transport sector.Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed global passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 4% in July compared to the same period in 2024.Similarly, total demand in global air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 5.5% in July compared to July 2024 levels.Industry analysts see increased passenger and cargo activity in July reflecting restored international mobility, expansion of route networks, and better global connectivity between markets.In the passenger segment, the July load factor was 85.5% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).International demand rose 5.3% in July compared to July, 2024. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).Domestic demand increased 1.8% in July compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity was up 2.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).In the global air cargo segment, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2024 (+4.5% for international operations).IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted, “Air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1.0% year-on-year.“A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US 'de minimis' exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.“While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5% year-on-year growth in July.”According to IATA, several factors in the operating environment should be noted.First, the global goods trade grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June.The July jet fuel price was 9.1% lower year-on-year and has remained below 2024 levels so far this year, easing airlines’ operating costs. However, it was 4.3% higher than in June.Global manufacturing contracted in July with the PMI falling to 49.66, the second dip below the 50-mark growth threshold since January.Also, new export orders also remained negative at 48.2 for the fourth month, reflecting waning confidence amid US trade policy uncertainty.“It has been a good northern summer season for airlines. Momentum has grown over the peak season with July demand reaching 4% growth. That trend appears across all regions and is particularly evident for international travel, which strengthened from 3.9% growth in June to 5.3% in July. Moreover, with flight volumes showing a 2% year-on-year increase for September after five months of decelerating growth, airlines are positioned to take advantage of this market momentum into the coming months,” Walsh noted.Rising cargo volumes typically reflect growth in international trade, manufacturing, and supply chain demand. Passenger growth points to higher consumer confidence, business travel recovery, and robust tourism.July is usually a peak travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, but stronger-than-usual growth suggests that the industry may be moving beyond past slowdowns triggered by pandemic aftereffects, geopolitical disruptions, or supply chain constraints.Sustained improvements in both segments signal that stakeholders (governments, investors, airports, and logistics firms) see the industry on a stable growth trajectory, supporting investment and fleet expansion.Clearly, the improvement in passenger and cargo volumes in July highlights a rebound in the global air transport industry. Higher passenger traffic reflects strong travel demand, while increased cargo volumes point to healthy global trade flows.The dual rise in passengers and cargo confirms that the industry is on a path of resilience and long-term growth, supported by both consumer demand and global economic activity.Together, they indicate renewed economic momentum, rising consumer and business confidence, and a continued recovery in international connectivity.