Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airways compete for Nairobi and Addis hub power as Gulf carriers expand

Kenya Airways is expanding its influence in the African market by aligning itself with smaller carriers as it seeks to build its home base of Nairobi as a continental hub. This includes promoting greater cross-border cooperation and fostering economic development among nations which jealously guard their independence, despite the clear evidence that this has been a fundamental cause of their problems.

Africa's fourth largest carrier and the continent's only member of the SkyTeam alliance is focusing on airlines in southern Africa, having already brought Air Mozambique, Air Botswana, Air Malawi and TAAG Angola Airlines into the fold.

On 20-Dec-2012 Kenya Airways and RwandAir announced plans to form a strategic partnership and build stronger relations including improved synergies in scheduling, reservation systems and a combined FFP. The partnership will also strengthen the airlines' cargo, maintenance and flight training operations.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airways looks to strengthen its Addis Ababa hub, as the Gulf carriers - now partnering with some global alliance airlines - expand their global networks across Africa.