Africa news round-up
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Airline and hotel news from Africa’s tourism product.
Kempinski signs Nairobi hotel
Kempinski Hotels has announced it will expand its Africa portfolio with a new property in Nairobi. The hotel is the group’s first management contract in Kenya and also includes a luxury 12-tent safari camp in the Olare Orok Conservancy next to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Its new hotel, which is currently under construction by Simba Corporation, is slated to open later this year with 200 rooms and suites with three concept restaurants. “We are delighted to further expand our presence in Africa with this new landmark hotel in Nairobi,” said Reto Wittwer, president and CEO of Kempinski Hotels.
Etihad to launch Ethiopia flights
Etihad Airways will add Addis Ababa to its route network in November 2012. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will initially fly to the Ethiopian capital five times a week using a two-class, 136-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Services will then be raised to daily in 2013. Addis Ababa will become Etihad’s ninth destination in Africa. Etihad said the route would benefit the “growing Ethiopian population living and working in Abu Dhabi and the UAE”.
Jet Airways cuts Jo’burg route
Jet Airways will temporarily suspend its Mumbai-Johannesburg flights from 12 June 2012. According to an official airline statement, the move is a part of the Indian carrier’s ongoing network evaluation plan, which aims to strengthen profitable routes and cut loss-making sectors. The airline added that it will work closely with its interline partners and provide alternate bookings for the South African city from 12 June onwards.
Air France boosts Mauritius
Air France has increased its capacity to Mauritius with the deployment of a Boeing 777-300ER to the Indian Ocean island nation. Introduced on 8 May, the new twin-aisle aircraft will have a total capacity of 468 seats divided between three cabin classes, including 14 seats in business class, 32 seats in premium economy and 442 in economy. Air France will serve the Paris-Mauritius route four times a week.
