MIDDLE EAST, ASIAN AIRLINES EXPAND IN EAST AFRICAN SKIES

Rivalry in the aviation industry in East Africa is set to increase as international airlines announce expansion into the region.

The United Arab Emirates national carrier, Etihad Airways, will unveil a daily flight out of Entebbe airport starting next month and later Dar es Salaam on December 31, while China Southern Airlines will offer three weekly flights out of Nairobi — its first destination in Africa — to Guangzhou, starting August 5, giving passengers alternatives to Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, Emirates and Qatar Airways.

The development comes at a time when Flydubai, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airways are increasing their frequency into the region. Flydubai will double flights out of Zanzibar starting June 1 while Qatar Airways will unveil five weekly services out of Zanzibar a month later.

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The launch of the Zanzibar flights will bring Qatar Airways’ African destinations to 20 overall, with six in East Africa, where the airline already serves Entebbe, Kigali and Nairobi.

James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said daily flights starts in May using Airbus A320 aircraft with 236 seats.

“We are confident the new passenger route will replicate the positive response our cargo flights have received during our operation,” Mr Hogan said.

He added that the direct connection between Entebbe and Etihad Airway’s Abu Dhabi hub will offer travellers convenient onward flights to the Gulf region, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, North Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Currently, Etihad Airways has daily flights to Nairobi under a code share arrangement with Kenya Airways.

China Southern Airlines sales and reservation manager in Uganda Meddy Migadde said the airline also plans to extend its flights out of Entebbe and Dar es Salaam airports next year.

“The East African region has many travellers heading to and from China, the majority of whom are traders and tourists. We believe that our direct flights to Guangzhou will be convenient to them,” Mr Migadde said.

The East African