President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, announced in his New Year address on December 31 that Kenya Airways and South African Airways will partner to form a pan-African airline.
“To boost tourism, trade, and social engagement; and to bolster continental integration; our national carrier Kenya Airways will join hands with our partners in South Africa to establish a Pan-African Airline,” he said.
On November 24, Kenya Airways and South African Airways signed a strategic partnership framework in South Africa, which formed the basis for the next move form a pan-African carrier.
The joint airline is expected to begin operations in 2023.