Dwindling In-flight Services
No more free booze on domestic Kenya Airways flights
(eTN) - While in Nairobi a few days ago, it was confirmed that Kenya Airways (KQ) had commenced, what one staff has on condition of anonymity described as a "trial" - a policy of no longer serving alcoholic drinks on domestic routes, not in either business or economy class, while meals will also no longer be served on board for J-class passengers, as was the case until now.
As seen in the domestic business-class lounge on Friday last week, hot and cold snacks are served, however, in the lounge at the departure gate, where passengers booked on J-class and those with sufficient miles accrued on their account can enjoy some bites, beers, and wine for that matter, before boarding their flights to either Mombasa, Malindi, or Kisumu.
"These are short flights, and we are now trying to see how this change will affect our business-class clients and their reaction. On board, the cabin crew continues to serve soft drinks, juices, and coffee or tea, while J-class passengers will be offered our mixed nut variety," the same source said while explaining the changes.
On regional routes, an expanded service is, however, maintained for both classes in the aircraft, as competition on such routes requires "matching services," while on Kenya’s domestic routes, KQ competes with low-cost airlines, which do not generally provide in-flight meal services nor offer business class on all routes, as Kenya Airways does.
Cost pressures over fuel and the expected rise in regulatory fees, has caused the margins on domestic sectors to shrink, prompting "The Pride of Africa," a few weeks ago, to introduce US dollar-based charges for domestic flights, but the recent strengthening of the Kenya shilling may see this policy reviewed and reversed soon, should it become evident that shilling-based fares will be to the advantage of the airline compared to sticking to US dollar-based ticket prices. The change in catering policy is also attributed to the need to make ends meet and save money without, in principle, compromising service levels regular KQ passengers have come to expect.
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