Summary
- IndiGo has began flying to its first African destination, Nairobi, Kenya, as a part of its growth strategy to reinforce connectivity within the region.
- This recent route is geared toward strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Kenya, that are one another’s significant trading partners with strong economic connections.
- Along with trade, there’s a growing tourism connection between India and Kenya, with tourism rebounding and witnessing 93% growth from 2021 to 2022.
IndiGo is now flying to its first African destination. By connecting to Kenya’s Nairobi, the Indian carrier is executing a growth for accessibility strategy.
A part of a growth strategy
As Pieter Elbers, chief executive officer, IndiGo, shared with The Times of India,
“First time for IndiGo touching the African soil and we couldn’t have chosen a greater location to accomplish that. Kenya, known for its ethereal wildlife beauty and historical landmarks, is intent on enhancing its economic growth through tourism, cultural exchange, and collaboration in various fields. This aligns with our overall vision of providing accessibility and connecting individuals with places. This recent route further enhances connectivity within the region as envisioned in IndiGo’s international growth strategy.”
Indeed, a read of the June 29 Entrepreneur India article on IndiGo’s growth strategy includes noting Elbers also offered up a desire for “unparalleled connections between people and places.” The airline plans to hook up with 32 international destinations and 76 domestic destinations to maintain its 61.4 percent market share.
Connecting with Kenya’s third largest trading partner
On the time of the route announcement Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said to Airspace Africa,
“We’re thrilled to announce the commencement of direct flights connecting Mumbai and Nairobi, which represents a major stride in fortifying the bilateral relationship between India and Kenya. With India now standing as Kenya’s third-largest trading partner and witnessing a surge in investments, this recent air route will further bolster our economic connections.”
The trade connection between Kenya and India is powerful. The High Commission of India based in Nairobi shares that Indian exports to Kenya include, but usually are not limited to, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, steel products, machinery, yarn, vehicles, and power transmission equipment valued at USD 2.126 billion. Kenyan exports back to India include soda ash, vegetables, tea, leather, and metal scrap for an accumulative value of USD 89.62 million.
There may be also a growing tourism connection to Kenya from India. In keeping with Capital Business, tourism has rebounded with 93% growth from 2021 to 2022, with 81,458 tourists in 2022.
A route for early risers
Reviewing the IndiGo website, the day by day route itself might be flown by an Airbus A320neo that may provide day by day connectivity with the bottom fares on offer. The three,224-mile (5,188 km) route will take about three hours and half-hour to finish each way.
Photo: BoeingMan777/Shutterstock
Nevertheless, one should want to be an early riser to take this flight. IndiGo flight 6E-1853, as a round trip, departs Mumbai at 02.10 and lands in Nairobi at 05.40 local time, while the return flight will depart at 06.40 local and land in Mumbai at 3.25 pm local.
Bottom line
Finally, as Capital Business reported, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage Peninah Malonza shared through the reception ceremony for the primary flight,
“This strategic air link will foster increased business collaboration, cultural exchange, and tourism opportunities, serving as a bridge to bring our countries even closer together,”
Having direct flights between Kenya and India via capable aircraft with low fares is one means to this end.
Would you fly to or from Kenya on IndiGo? Please share within the comments.
Airspace Africa, Capital Business, Entrepreneur India, High Commission of India in Nairobi, Kenya