NAIROBI, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Airways on Tuesday announced the launch of flights to Mauritius as part of its broad strategy to expand its footprint across Africa.

Sebastian Mikosz, the airline's CEO, said the route will have a great impact on Kenya Airways' upcoming direct non-stop flights to New York.

"We are very excited by this new opening that will allow daily connections between two of the most attractive countries in the region," Mikosz said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

"Furthermore, this new flight will have a great impact on our New York flight as it will improve our attractiveness on the Premium Leisure segment," Mikosz added.

Kenya Airways' new route will start in June with flights between Nairobi and Mauritius on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Monday and Thursday flights will depart Nairobi at 11:45 a.m., and Wednesday and Saturday flights will leave the Kenyan capital at 9:50 p.m.

Mikosz said the new route will perfectly complement the existing operations by Air Mauritius and allow both airlines to offer passengers a unique daily product between Nairobi and Mauritius.

He said the daily operation is great news for frequent passengers as it will allow both airlines to reinforce the growing business and leisure interactions between the two countries.

The existing code-share agreement with Air Mauritius' three weekly flights will also be applicable on Kenya Airways' flights, Mikosz said.