The travel industry came together this week to celebrate Nassir Ladha of Fleet Travel, recognized as the top seller for Kenya Airways’ inaugural flight to Gatwick. His exceptional performance earned him a return ticket to Gatwick courtesy of Kenya Airways, with hotel accommodation sponsored by Travelport — a gesture that underscored the growing collaboration within Kenya’s dynamic travel ecosystem.
The recognition event, attended by representatives from Kenya Airways (KQ), Travelport, and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), marked a new chapter in an ongoing partnership that has been instrumental in driving awareness and sales for the Nairobi–Gatwick route.
Launched on 2 July 2025, the Gatwick route represented a major milestone for Kenya Airways as it added a second London gateway alongside Heathrow. Operating three times a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — the service has enhanced connectivity between Kenya and the United Kingdom, creating fresh opportunities for tourism, business travel, and diaspora engagement. The new route also aligns with KQ’s broader strategy to diversify its European network while improving convenience for travellers on both ends.
Since its introduction, Kenya Airways and Travelport have collaborated closely to promote the Gatwick service across the travel trade. Through Travelport’s extensive agent network, joint marketing campaigns, and incentive programs, the two organizations have successfully positioned the route as a competitive and convenient travel option for passengers seeking flexibility and affordability.
During the celebration, Nita Nagi, Travelport’s Regional Manager for East Africa, highlighted the critical role of technology-driven collaboration in modern aviation.
“Our partnership with Kenya Airways goes beyond distribution — it’s about empowering travel agents with the tools, insights, and motivation they need to succeed,” said Ms. Nagi. “The success of the Gatwick route is a clear example of how collaboration can translate into real market results. We are proud to support Kenya Airways and our agency partners in delivering exceptional value to travellers while strengthening Kenya’s connectivity to the world.”
Kenya Airways officials echoed these remarks, noting that strategic partnerships with technology leaders like Travelport remain central to their growth ambitions. By equipping travel agents with advanced booking technology and comprehensive product information, KQ and Travelport continue to ensure that the trade community remains central to aviation growth.
The event also spotlighted the contributions of travel professionals like Nassir Ladha, whose outstanding performance demonstrates the value of motivated and well-supported agents. His recognition reflects the shared commitment of Kenya Airways and Travelport to foster innovation, reward excellence, and elevate the standards of service within Kenya’s travel trade.
As the Gatwick route gains momentum, both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration, investing in market engagement, and strengthening partnerships that drive the success of Kenya’s aviation sector. With continued support from the trade community, the Nairobi–Gatwick route is poised to play a defining role in expanding Kenya’s international air links.
Together, Kenya Airways and Travelport are not only connecting destinations but also shaping the future of Kenya’s travel industry through technology, partnership, and people.