Kenya’s low cost carrier Jambojet on Monday made its first trip to Kigali International Airport as it launched scheduled flights between the Rwanda’s capital and Nairobi, bringing competition to RwandAir.
With the launch of once daily flights from its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport hub, Jambojet officially becomes the first low-cost carrier to fly the route.
This now brings competition to RwandAir’s doorstep which also flies to Nairobi at least three times a day. It operates domestic and international services to East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe the Middle East and Asia, from its main base at Kigali International Airport in Kigali.
Jambojet which recently expanded their fleet with two brand new De Havilland Dash 8 – 400, to cater to their expansion, is expected to secure a sizable traffic between the two cities, adding pressure to existing airlines including its parent company-Kenya Airways.
Jambojet Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, said the airline is taking advantage of the huge opportunity the African market has to offer.
"Today we mark a major milestone in our regional expansion strategy. Our aim is to grow our footprint across the continent, while offering a unique product for these markets. We expect that our low-cost model will enable more people to fly affordably, conveniently, and safely," said Mr. Kilavuka.
The airline is also eyeing South Sudan, Mogadishu, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Union of the Comoros and Malawi.
Jambojet currently flies to five local destinations namely Malindi, Ukunda, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and one regional destination-Entebbe, Uganda – from its hub in Nairobi.
Since inception in 2014, Jambojet, which was, in July 2019, awarded the coveted IATA Operational Safety Audit certification (IOSA), has flown over 3 million passengers, 30 per cent of whom are first time flyers.
The airline was also among the 165 aircraft showcased at the just concluded 2019 Dubai Airshow. It’s the only Kenyan operator to ever be showcased at an international airshow.
"Today is an exciting day for us at Jambojet as we celebrate our entry into this land of a thousand hills," Kilavuka said when Jambojet touched down at Kigali.The carrier currently operates 6 De Havilland Dash 8 – 400 aircraft, 4 with a passenger capacity of 78, and 2 with 82. It has two more on order to cater to its expansion into more regional destinations."We have the youngest fleet in Africa and one of the youngest in the world according to global aviation […]
