Nike and Air Afrique, the Paris-based creative collective, have joined forces to introduce the Air Max RK61 — an elegant silhouette that merges tradition, craftsmanship and innovation while evoking memories of travel.

The Air Max RK61 brings Air technology into a new context, blending cultural influences with modern design, athletic attitude, signature innovation and refined elegance.

Named after the original Air Afrique airline code “RK” and the founding year 1961, the silhouette pays tribute to the historic airline that once connected West African nations and the diaspora.

‍

‍

Inspired by classics such as the Air Max SNDR and timeless moccasin styles, the RK61 channels elegance through a refined upper paired with the comfort of Nike's Air Max Technology.

Aviation heritage runs through the details: an Air Max unit inspired by a jet engine, Morse code spelling “Air Afrique” on the outsole, a zipper pull featuring the airline’s original logo, and a jacquard sockliner reminiscent of vintage aircraft seats.

“The notion of Air is deeply connected to our history: Air Afrique, the airline itself, took to the skies to transcend cultures and newly independent African people,” says Ahmadou-Bamba Thiam, a member of the Air Afrique collective and editor of its magazine.

“We also speak of Air as a symbolic, metaphorical elevation through culture and humanity. This concept was really our starting point for the product design and was central to creating the elegant silhouette of the Air Max RK61.”

‍

‍

The rebirth of Air Afrique as a creative collective builds on the airline’s original legacy as a vessel for cultural patronage and cross-continental exchange.

In 2021, the four members — Lamine Diaoune, Djiby Kebe, Jeremy Konko and Ahmadou-Bamba — reimagined Air Afrique as a multidisciplinary platform for Afro-diasporic creativity.

With roots in visual art, cinema and photography, the new Air Afrique uses art and culture as a bridge, connecting communities through shared memory, creativity and human interconnection.

‍

‍

‍

‍

“This project is meant to bring out the rich history of Air Afrique, highlighting what the airline represented as an achievement for the continent and the people of those West African nations, domestic and abroad,” says Jupiter Desphy, the silhouette's lead designer.

“The opportunity to travel should be available to everyone, and the ability to meet new people, see distant relatives and gain exposure to different cultures forms our worldview in a meaningful way. As a team, we wanted to show respect to an era of movement many people may not be familiar with, in the form of a shoe that articulates these ideas and emotions.”

‍

‍

The Air Max RK61 extends the collective’s first partnership with Nike, building on shared ideals expressed through the partners’ Air Afrique Football Club campaign, which debuted last year.

“We’re very deliberate about who we work with, making sure we uphold the Air Afrique name,” says Ahmadou-Bamba.

“Nike is a universal brand with a cultural platform that reaches a wide audience and has always resonated with us, ever since we were kids. There’s intention and distinction in every Nike innovation and design decision, and that’s what connects them to our story with Air Afrique — because that intentionality is at the center of everything we do.”

‍

‍

Nike and Air Afrique bring the new silhouette to life through the “Première Classe” campaign — a boarding call for the next generation of athletes, inspired by the visual language of early aviation advertising and reimagined with a focus on comfort and elegance.

‍

‍

Featured in the campaign are icons from sport and culture who span generations and embody Afro-diasporic excellence: soccer legend Didier Drogba, renowned Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, sprinter Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith, and Mme Daba Traoré, a former employee of the original airline.

Their presence highlights the intergenerational strength of diasporic role models across disciplines. The Nike x Air Afrique Air Max RK61 will be released worldwide on October 9 and will be available through SNKRS and select retail partners.

Keep an eye on our Sneaker Releases.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

Photos via Nike