White rhinos on the plane! KQ, KTB partner to boost tourism

Kenya Airways has entered into a partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board to promote the country as a tourist destination.

The partnership entered involves branding of two KQ aircrafts; a Dreamliner and an Embraer.

They will be branded with images of Kenya’s most iconic species creating visibility across the airline’s network of 41 destinations.

They will be branded with imagery features of the last two northern white rhinos, the elephant Tuskers and lions from Amboseli National Park and the Tsavo National Park.

Tourism and Wildlife Chief Administrative Secretary Joseph Boinett said the collaboration would build a strong brand association and thus increase the destination’s appeal to more consumers.

“It is especially important at this point in time as we work towards recovering tourism fully and attracting international visitors to Magical Kenya,” he said.

Kenya Tourism Board CEO Betty Radier lauded the National carrier for having contributed to the growth of tourism.

She said the partnership was among the many ventures the Board had explored with a view to growing the destination tourism offerings.

“About a month ago, we launched a similar partnership with KQ subsidiary,” she added.

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka said the airline was committed to raising awareness of Kenya’s magical treasures.

"This is to maximize the benefits of air transport, and to support the sustainable development of Kenya’s thriving tourism economy," he said.

The designs on the airplanes are hinged on the conservation themes in Kenya with the Dreamliner having the last two northern white rhinos in the world (Najin and Fatu) on one side.

Najin and Fatu live on Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is also the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees.

On the other side is Tim, the most famous and iconic elephant that lived in Amboseli National Park for over five decades. Tim was one of the last remaining great ‘tuskers”.

The Embraer will have Tim and the king of the jungle; a lion depicting the man-eaters of Tsavo.

"We hope that these images branded on the airplanes will help showcase Kenya's diversity in wildlife, and the variety of places to visit," the CEO said.

Najin and Fatu, as the last of their kind, represent the consequences of ignoring the importance of wildlife conservation.