Nairobi strengthens position as East Africa’s logistics gateway
Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo), the freight and logistics division of Kenya’s national carrier, has signed a ground handling partnership with global logistics company FedEx, strengthening Nairobi’s position as one of Africa’s leading cargo and logistics hubs.
The agreement marks the first time FedEx has appointed Kenya Airways Cargo as its ground handling partner in Kenya, reflecting growing international confidence in the airline’s cargo operations, infrastructure, reliability, and strategic location within the region.
Under the partnership, Kenya Airways Cargo will manage cargo handling operations for FedEx at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), one of Africa’s busiest aviation and freight gateways. This partnership comes amid sustained global growth in air cargo demand, driven by expanding e-commerce activity, pharmaceutical logistics, perishables exports, and increasingly time-sensitive international supply chains.
George Kamal, Acting Group CEO of Kenya Airways, said: “This partnership with FedEx is a strong validation of Kenya Airways Cargo’s capability to deliver world-class cargo handling services that meet international standards,” said Kamal. “It reinforces Nairobi’s role as a critical logistics and aviation gateway linking Africa to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. As global trade patterns continue to evolve, we are positioning Kenya Airways Cargo and JKIA at the center of efficient, reliable, and integrated cargo movement across the continent.”
Strengthening Nairobi’s role as a regional logistics hub
Industry experts note that ground handling partnerships have become increasingly important within global aviation networks because they directly influence cargo turnaround efficiency, supply chain reliability, aircraft operations, and overall logistics competitiveness.
The collaboration is expected to support Kenya’s broader ambition of positioning JKIA as East Africa’s leading cargo consolidation and distribution hub as intra-African trade expands under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Kenya remains one of Africa’s largest air freight exporters, particularly for flowers, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value perishable products that depend on efficient and reliable air cargo connectivity.
The FedEx agreement further strengthens Kenya Airways Cargo’s role in Africa’s evolving aviation logistics sector. Ground handling operations are delivered through Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited, the airline’s cargo handling subsidiary, which provides warehousing and cargo management services at JKIA.
The facility supports imports, exports, transit cargo, and specialized shipments, including pharmaceuticals and perishables, reinforcing Nairobi’s position as a key cargo gateway for East Africa.
Are you interested in having your interview published on our website, click here.
