Kenya Airways launches new onboard duty-free shopping service

Kenya Airways has introduced a new onboard duty-free shopping service through a five-year partnership with Safari Duty Free, offering passengers an expanded product range and the option to shop online before travelling.

Launched on 1 November 2026, the service features a mobile-friendly webstore where passengers can browse products, compare prices and place orders before departure.

Customers can pre-order items from 40 days up to 72 hours before their flight, with purchases delivered directly to their seats onboard.

The airline says the new offering includes international brands, luxury products, lifestyle items, travel exclusives and curated gifts.

Prices will be up to 15 per cent lower than those at airport duty-free shops, while customers will receive an additional five per cent launch discount on all webstore products until 30 November 2026.

The service also includes order tracking and round-the-clock customer support, while cabin crew will provide personalised assistance during flights.

Also Read: Kenya Airways to replace 20-year-old booking system in digital overhaul

Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said the partnership was aimed at improving convenience, choice and value for passengers.

“Duty-free is an important part of the Kenya Airways customer journey. This launch reflects our commitment to continuously enhancing the travel experience by giving our customers more choice, greater convenience and better value,” Thairu said.

He said the digital platform would allow the shopping experience to begin before departure and continue onboard.

Safari Duty Free Managing Director Vivek Mehra said the company would combine its retail expertise with Kenya Airways’ regional and international network to improve the service.

“We are proud to partner with Kenya Airways at such an exciting moment for inflight retail,” Mehra said.

Under the agreement, Safari Duty Free will manage the airline’s inflight retail programme, including brand partnerships, product selection, merchandising, digital retail integration and customer experience.

The partnership marks a change in Kenya Airways’ onboard retail operations, with Safari Duty Free taking responsibility for delivering the service across the airline’s network.