Transport

KAA plans airport charges review ahead of US direct flights

jkia

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) international arrivals terminal in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is set to review its charges — part of efforts to drive down aviation prices as the country prepares for direct flight to the US.

KAA managing director Jonny Andersen said the move, which will make Kenya’s airport charges among the most competitive in East Africa, will encourage direct exports and boost tourist arrivals.

Airports normally charge for runway landing and take-off, aircraft parking, air bridge use and passenger processing.

“We are now liaising with counties (hosting or next to) to airports to have direct exports of Kenyan products to the US and vice versa.

“From the tourism point of view, this is a great opportunity for Kenya and East Africa. We expect this to resume soon once we clear the paperwork,” Mr Andersen said when he toured the Eldoret International Airport last Saturday.
He cited the agriculturally-rich North Rift as a high potential exports source.

The region is also a key hub for athletics tourism, being the home of many of the world-beating runners.

The Eldoret International Airport has five international cargo flights touching down every week.

The KAA chief said airport runways were also being expanded to accommodate bigger aircraft.

“It is no doubt that Kenya is the best tourism destination in East Africa. We should fully tap this as one of the sources of revenue,” said Mr Andersen.

He challenged players in the aviation industry to implement cost-cutting measures to remain afloat in light of declining revenues.

Mr Andersen said that the turbulence at the national carrier, Kenya Airways had also impacted on the KAA.

The airports, he said, should diversify revenue sources if they are to remain in business.

“The current trends in the aviation industry have forced airlines to implement cost-cutting measures because of declining revenues. Increasing charges to airport users such as airlines is no longer a viable option,” said Mr Andersen, adding that airports should pursue non-aeronautical revenue streams more aggressively by increasing passenger spend hours.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in February gave Kenya a category one rating under the agency’s International Aviation Safety Assessment Program, paving the way for direct flights.

The FAA said that Kenya, which has awaited approval for more than a decade, had complied with international safety standards.