State-owned Kenya Airways (KQ) and South African Airways (SAA) will launch a pan-African airline group next year as part of its strategic partnership to boost growth, according to a local media report. 

The two airlines are currently implementing phase two of the partnership framework, which will lead to forming the new group. 

“Both airlines are finalising their restructuring plans, which should be completed by 2024,” Business Daily reported, citing an emailed statement from KQ. 

The restructuring is an important process, which will lead to the formation of the Pan-African Airline Group in 2024, the statement added. 

The ongoing restructuring includes fleet rationalisation and talks on a lease agreement with the lessors.    

KQ and SAA signed a strategic partnership framework in South Africa in November 2021 to improve connectivity, offer affordable fares and more route options to passengers. 

(Editing by Cleofe Maceda; cleofe.maceda@lseg.com)