Kenya airways (KQ) has posted a financial loss of  a Sh10 billion ($110 million) for its half year ending September. This it claimed was attributable to the dire effect of the Ebola crisis in West Africa.

“The situation was worsened by the Ebola epidemic which led to the airline suspending its flights to Ebola hit nation in August this year,” said Mbuvi Nguze, the newly appointed group MD/CEO of KQ. Nguze resumed office this month after taking over from Mr Titus Naikuni who had been at the helm since 11 years.

KQ has been operating under a challenging business environment due to socio-economic activities across the regions it operates in. This trend was flagged of by the fire incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) last year.

The airline’s turnover however increased to Sh56 billion. This is a 4.5 percent rise from last year’s figure. Cargo Haulage also increased by 8 percent to 37,255 metric tons. The airliner’s fortunes failed to experience similar progress. During the period under review, shares value fell 20 percent to Sh7.50. The fall is the lowest the company has seen since 2003.

According to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, the airline is banking on a growing domestic economy and the delivery of new and efficient aircraft to help steer a return to profitability.