Kenya Airways (KQ) has teamed up with Safaricom to enhance the airline’s operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and customer experience through technological advancements.
This partnership will cover various aspects of the airline industry, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Enhancing connectivity and in-flight Wi-Fi
A significant part of this collaboration is to boost in-flight Wi-Fi and connectivity. This will ensure that you have a reliable and fast internet connection during your flights, allowing you to stay connected and productive.
For more on connectivity innovations, check out our article on building an AI-ready team.
Infrastructure inspection and security surveillance
Kenya Airways and Safaricom will employ advanced technology to:
- Inspect airport and aircraft infrastructure: Keeping everything in top shape.
- Conduct security surveillance: Ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.
Improving loyalty programs and utilizing data science
Loyalty programs will see enhancements to better reward frequent flyers. With the use of data science, the partnership aims to understand and cater to customer preferences more effectively.
Learn more about how AI is transforming loyalty programs in our post on using AI for digital marketing.
Developing IoT solutions
The partnership will explore the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to streamline various operations:
1) Warehousing: Enhancing efficiency in warehouse management.
2) Baggage tracking: Providing real-time tracking to minimize lost luggage.
3) Aircraft materials and ULD management: Ensuring proper tracking and management of essential items.
Insights from leadership
Fredrick Kitunga, Chief Information and Data Officer at Kenya Airways, shared his excitement about the partnership:
“Kenya Airways’ collaboration with Safaricom is a testament to the power of co-creation. By harnessing our combined expertise, we are not only addressing today’s challenges but also laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity, and transformative innovations that will benefit our customers and communities for years to come.”
Cynthia Kropac, Head of Business at Safaricom, added:
“This Memorandum of Understanding solidifies our commitment to providing a transformative experience for our customers, connecting people in new and innovative ways. By leveraging our respective strengths—Kenya Airways in providing safe journeys and Safaricom in cutting-edge communications and technology—we ensure that our customers remain seamlessly connected throughout their travels.”
Fahari Innovation Hub
The Fahari Innovation Hub will play a crucial role in this initiative. As a center of aviation innovation excellence in Africa, it will focus on:
- Co-creation: Collaborating with innovators to develop new solutions.
- Networking: Connecting with industry experts and stakeholders.
- Research and learning: Advancing knowledge and skills in aviation technology.
This hub aims to generate new ideas and innovations to address current and future challenges in the aviation sector.
About Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways is a leading African airline, connecting over 5 million passengers annually to 45 destinations worldwide, including 37 in Africa. Operating from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the airline also handles over 70,000 tons of cargo each year.
This partnership with Safaricom promises to bring significant improvements to your flying experience, making it safer, more efficient, and more connected.
