Kenya Airways operates Africa’s first intra-African flight to Cape Town for the Aviation Challenge 2025
Kenya Airways Boeing 787-8 touches down at Cape Town International Airport.
Image: Supplied
Kenya Airways crew who operated the flight pictured with Hellen Mwariri, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, and Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town.
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Kenya Airways has operated its first intra-African flight using 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) attributes under a mass balance system, in line with international standards by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
This milestone marks a step in reducing the carbon footprint of air travel in Africa. The SAF attributes are verified through global certification schemes that ensure traceability and transparency. The fuel is made from Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) feedstocks, such as used cooking oil and other waste materials, which can achieve up to 85% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel when produced and used directly.
Kenya Airways cabin crew engage passengers onboard, promoting awareness about sustainable and responsible travel practices.
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By applying these verified SAF attributes, the airline has achieved a 50% SAF-equivalent operation on the Nairobi - Cape Town route. This represents a meaningful step in exploring realistic and measurable ways to reduce emissions across its network.
The flight was organised as part of the SkyTeam Aviation Challenge 2025 (TAC) under the theme “Impact”, which celebrates practical actions that promote sustainability in aviation.
Onboard, Kenya Airways introduced several initiatives under four focus areas:
- Inflight Products: Upcycled blanket bags and headset covers, and reusable cutlery to reduce waste.
- Catering: Locally sourced Kenyan coffee and tea, canned beverages instead of plastic bottles, and reusable hot drink cups.
- Waste Management: Recycling of onboard waste and reusing service items.
- People: Cabin crew involvement in creating awareness among passengers about responsible practices.
Onboard, passengers enjoyed locally sourced Kenyan coffee and tea, canned beverages instead of plastic bottles and reusable cups for hot drinks.
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Hellen Mwariri, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, noted: “This flight shows what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation. It’s a step toward practical solutions that reduce our impact while keeping operations efficient.”
Kenya Airways continues to work with government agencies, local innovators, and international partners, including IATA, SkyTeam, and AFRAA, to help build local SAF production capacity in Kenya by 2026.
Upcycled blanket bags and headset covers were provided to passengers.
Image: Supplied
About Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways (KQ), The Pride of Africa, is a leading African carrier on a mission to propel Africa's prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets. We fly to 42 destinations worldwide, 37 of which are in Africa, connecting over five million passengers and over 70,000 Tons of cargo annually through our Hub at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
As the sole African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance, we open up a world of possibilities for our customers, connecting them to more than 1 060 destinations in 173 countries. We take pride in offering a delightful flying experience with a caring African touch. Our exceptional African hospitality has consistently earned us global recognition, including the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards, where we were honoured with the Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa in 2024.