This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
December 10, 2019
Kenya's local airports are calling for more investments to boost their capacity to handle rising demand for freight services.
The Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) has been working to woo cargo airlines in local airports, with Eldoret International Airport emerging as the fastest growing airport after JKIA.
According to data, Eldoret Airport handled 11,200 metric tonnes in 2018, down from 9,100 metric tonnes in 2017. The airport has the capacity to handle more than 60,000 metric tonnes annually.
Some of the airlines operating at the airport include Ethiopian Airline, Fly Emirates, Jambo Jet, Sax and Skyward Express.
Acting KAA Managing Director Alex Gitari noted that the authority is finalising an incentive plan for scheduled flights, which will include launching new routes and investing in air and ground infrastructure.
"Eldoret Airport has recorded significant growth in cargo carriers due to its position and the availability of horticulture, which has remained our major export in the country," said Mr Gitari.
JKIA is constructing its sixth cargo terminal, set for completion by February 2020, which will increase its combined annual capacity to 1.2 million tonnes.
The terminals are fitted with modern specialised cargo handling facilities and adequate cold-rooms, attracting more than 17 international scheduled cargo carriers and several ad-hoc freighters.
