KQ eyes Sh322mn revenue from duty-free products sale

Kenya Airways (KQ) is aiming to generate Sh322 million from the sale of duty-free products to passengers by the end of 2024.

According to Michael Ithau, the airline’s In-flight Performance Manager, the duty-free service was introduced as part of KQ’s strategy to boost revenue.

Ithau further highlighted that 80 percent of the products sold on board to passengers en route to various destinations are sourced from Africa. The airline offers a convenient shopping experience, enabling customers to shop from their seats during flights or within the terminal.

The competitively priced range includes international and travel-exclusive brands, offering a selection of women’s and men’s fragrances, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, watches, and smart gadgets. This service is designed to enhance the passenger experience while contributing to the airline’s financial growth.

“This year we are targeting a total of 322 million from our duty free sales products that we offer to our customers on board. Our products packaging is done based on the route of travel,” said Ithau KQ Inflight Manager.

In 2023, the National carrier hit 203 million from its duty-free sales products, surpassing its target of 167 million duty-free sales.

The products ranged from fragrances, perfumes, and jewelry, including wrist watches.

“80 percent of the sales come from Africa particularly from our customers traveling to Johannesburg in South Africa ,Kigali Rwanda,Lagos Nigeria, Acra Ghana and free town,”  stated Ithau.

The airline reviews its product catalog twice each year in order to meet its customers demands and needs