KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has expanded its cooperation with Kenya Airways within East Africa.

Kenya Airways and KLM now jointly operate 44 weekly flights on six routes to East Africa, with combined revenues exceeding US$500 million.

UK passengers to Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and beyond, will now be able to combine itineraries via Amsterdam (using KLM and Kenya Airways flights), and via London, using the direct Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi.

Prices, rules and conditions will also be harmonised to help provide a seamless experience across both airline networks.

The expanded joint venture will be a significant boost to the existing benefit-sharing model between the two carriers, with the ultimate objective of doubling the amount of frequencies between Europe and the East African continent.

This far reaching cooperation for both passenger and cargo business will allow KLM and Kenya Airways to jointly implement further commercial synergies, and optimise networks and schedules to better jointly serve these markets, as well as enhance customer experience and travel options.

Warner Rootliep, general manager UK and Ireland, AIR FRANCE-KLM said: “This is a very important strategic move for us, allowing us to position ourselves as the carrier of choice to East Africa for our customers, with an unmatched joint network of destinations.

“Kenya Airways is a longstanding partner and we are proud of this next milestone in our cooperation.”