KQ pilots are infact one of the best because they fly to the dreaded Central and West African airports, well known for their poor state of runways and strong turbulences and storms. Why do you think most major airlines haven't ventured into that part of Africa?
A number of majors are there. I'd say the routes are just about saturated, hence lack of interest by others in vying for that route. There's nothing special about KQ, they're pretty average as airlines go. Probably in the top five African airlines but that's about it.