Kenya Airways has confirmed it will expand its operation into the Australian market through a new code share agreement signed with Qantas.

Under the agreement, the self-styled ‘Pride of Africa’ will code share on daily services between Bangkok and Sydney with the Australian national carrier, while Qantas will code share on daily Kenya Airways services between Bangkok and Nairobi.

Kenya Airways group managing director, Titus Naikuni, said the partnership between the two airlines would enable its customer’s access to more destinations in Australia, while also giving an opportunity to Qantas passengers to access the 41 destinations flown by KA in Africa.

“Kenya Airways seeks to strengthen its presence in Australia by offering better connection options to its passengers from Africa and our association with Qantas gives us an opportunity to offer our customers a seamless connection to and from Australia.”

He added that Australia was a key market for passengers either travelling for education, business and leisure.

He also noted that majority of the traffic from Australia would comprise of tourists.

Tourism Market

Group executive Qantas Airlines commercial, Rob Gurney, said the alliance would give Qantas customers greater access to the exciting African tourism market.

“Qantas is pleased to be able to increase the options available for Australians travelling to Africa,” Mr Gurney added.

“There is considerable potential for growth in business and leisure travel between Australia and Kenya. This new code share arrangement positions both airlines well to capitalise on that potential.”

The code share will complement Qantas’ direct services between Sydney and Johannesburg, which will be increased to a daily frequency this week.

“Qantas looks forward to partnering with Kenya Airways in strengthening travel, cultural and business links between Kenya and Australia,” continued Mr Gurney.

Code share services between Qantas and Kenya Airways are on sale now for travel from November 15th 2010.

World Mobi

Also in Africa today, World Mobi launched its new city guide to Nairobi. 

World Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the World Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.mobi, London.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Nairobi.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality - which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, transport, and weather.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.