january-2019

Kenya Airways
launched a carbon
offset programme in
2011, the first African
airline to do so.
News
SAFARI NJEMA / 77
✈ Kenya Airways’ New York route
requires 4 pilots and 12 flight
attendants.
The Flying Blue interview
Company Man
The Flying Blue Gold member and Senior Executive Director of Kenafric Industries
Ltd. was on the recent inaugural non-stop flight to New York. While growing his
business, Mayur Shah has spent countless hours in the sky with Kenya Airways.
Mayur Kumar V. Shah
Nationality
Kenyan
Profession
Senior Executive Director of
Kenafric Industries Ltd.: one of
the largest home-grown and
privately owned consumer goods
makers in East Africa.
What’s your personal story?
I was born in Karatina as the youngest in
a family of four brothers. My father came
to Kenya from Gujarat, India, in search
of greener pastures. After many years, he
began a wholesale business. This is where
I got my love for entrepreneurship. It
runs in my blood. I’m passionate about
positioning Kenafric as the leading
household manufacturer of diverse
consumer goods, from footwear and
confectionery, to food and stationery.
What does Kenya Airways mean to you?
My relationship with Kenya Airways
spans over 20 years. It’s my only solution
when travelling to many destinations. A
national symbol that’s true to its mantra:
it is indeed the Pride of Africa.
What examples do you have that
illustrate this?
Kenya Airways has been instrumental to
the success of my business. The airline’s
robust network has enabled us to penetrate
many markets across Africa. We
export to over 25 countries including
the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Senegal, Mali, Uganda and, recently,
Ghana.
What keeps you coming back?
The world-class service and care I receive
on board. As a frequent flyer, the
staff recognise me and make me feel
appreciated. The warm, friendly African
hospitality is something I experience
whenever I travel with the airline.
Why is the direct flight to New York so
important to you?
It’s a real game-changer as the fastest
connection from East Africa to New
York. At only 14-15 hours, I get to save
time, which is key for a business traveller
like me. It will also play a pivotal role in
boosting our economy. I see immense
trade opportunities for Kenya and New
York. It will help push up tourist numbers
and promote trade and investment
in both regions.
What makes you feel proud when
travelling?
As a country, we are already known for
our famous game reserves like Maasai
Mara, and our long-distance runners.
Now we can add Kenya Airways to the
list as the first airline in East Africa to
offer non-stop flights to New York. This
is something to be proud of: the feeling
that I’m supporting and building Kenya
whenever I travel the Pride of Africa.
“Kenya Airways has been
instrumental to the success
of my business”
What’s your most interesting travel
encounter?
Once, while travelling to Tanzania, I met
a business mogul on board a Kenya
Airways flight with whom I was able to
close my first deal for Dar es Salaam!
Other important people I have met include:
Ted Turner, founder of CNN,
and Frank and Dan Carney, founders
of Pizza Hut. They helped me to establish
the route I wanted to take in my
career, which has since created a new
destiny for my family and I. Finally, I
must not forget the Kenya Airways crew,
who light up my travels on every flight.