Kenya Airways flies first live cattle shipment to Nigeria

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 28 – Kenya Airways (KQ) has transported more than 50 cattle from Nairobi to Lagos in its first dedicated live animal charter between Kenya and Nigeria. The shipment departed from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, marking an expansion of the airline’s cargo services. KQ Cargo Director Fitsum Abadi said the operation demonstrated the airline’s ability to handle specialised cargo shipments across Africa. “Live animal shipments require meticulous planning, specialised handling and close coordination throughout the journey. This milestone reinforces our commitment to supporting intra-African trade through flexible and reliable cargo solutions,” Abadi said. The shipment was handled under the airline’s KQ Live service, which transports animals using procedures designed to support their welfare, including temperature regulation and ventilation. The airline is seeking to expand its cargo business beyond conventional freight to include live animals, pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, dangerous goods and e-commerce shipments. It said the expansion would help diversify cargo revenue and increase earnings from specialised freight, while strengthening Nairobi’s role as a regional cargo hub. The airline plans to use additional widebody aircraft capacity and partnerships to support the expansion.