AIRLINES IN KENYA - Regional & Charter Airlines ..............Cont

      

3. Fly540

Fly540, established in 2006, was a Kenyan low-cost airline based at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Network and Destinations

It provided scheduled passenger and cargo services across East Africa, including destinations such as

Kenya

Ø  Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) – Hub

Ø  Mombasa (Moi International Airport)

Ø  Eldoret (Eldoret International Airport)

Ø  Kisumu (Kisumu International Airport)

Ø  Lamu (Manda Airport)

Ø  Lodwar (Lodwar Airport)

Ø  Malindi (Malindi Airport)​

Regional Destinations

Ø  South Sudan: Juba (Juba International Airport)

Ø  Tanzania: Zanzibar (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport)

Ø  Uganda: Entebbe (Entebbe International Airport)​

Fleet

Ø  The airline's fleet consisted of aircraft like;

Ø  Bombardier CRJ200LR,

Ø  Bombardier Dash 8-100, Dash 8-200,

Ø  Dash 8-Q300. ​

Recent Developments

             In June 2012, Fly540 was acquired by Fastjet Plc, a British investment firm, aiming to establish             a pan-African low-cost carrier network. However, Fly540's operations in Kenya were suspended             in November 2022 by the Competition Authority of Kenya.

4. Skyward Express

Skyward Express was founded in 2013, it is primarily operating from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Initially focusing on charter and cargo services, it has expanded to become a significant player in Kenya's domestic aviation sector

Network and Destinations

Skyward Express offers scheduled flights to the following Kenyan destinations:​

·       Eldoret, Lodwar, Mombasa, Diani (Ukunda), Malindi, Lamu, Kitale, Kakamega, Migori​

Recent Developments

In November 2024, Skyward Express launched its first international route between Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This service is operated using a 109-seat Fokker 100 jet.​

Fleet and Operations

Skyward Express operates a fleet that includes De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft, known for their versatility in both passenger and cargo configurations. The airline's cargo operations are based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, while passenger services are managed from Wilson Airport.

For more information on routes, schedules, and bookings, you can visit their official website: Skyward Express.

5. Freedom Airline Express

The Airline was established in 2008 and its headquarter in Nairobi, Kenya.  It is a regional airline operating scheduled and charter services across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Freedom Airlines Express main hubs are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport in Nairobi, as well as Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia.​

 Destinations and Operations

Freedom Airline Express serves both domestic and international routes, connecting major cities in Kenya and Somalia. The airline operates flights to the following destinations:​

Kenya

Ø  Nairobi: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport (WIL),

Ø  Garissa (GAS)

Ø  Elwak (ELWAK)

Ø  Mandera (NDE)​

            Somalia

Ø  Mogadishu (MGQ)

Ø  Hargeisa (HGA)

Ø  Garowe (GGR)

Ø  Galkayo (GLK)

Ø  Bosaso (BSA)

Ø  Kismayo (KIS)​

The airline operates daily flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu, with departures from Nairobi at 06:30 and arrivals in Mogadishu at 08:00. Flights between Nairobi and Kismayo are scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays, with departures from Kismayo at 08:00 and arrivals in Nairobi at 10:30.

Fleet

Freedom Airline Express maintains a diverse fleet to cater to various routes and passenger capacities:​

Ø  Airbus A320: A narrow-body jet capable of accommodating over 130 passengers.

Ø  Bombardier CRJ-200: A regional jet designed to carry up to 50 passengers.

Ø  Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia: A twin-turboprop commuter airliner seating 30 passengers.

Ø  Fokker 50: A turboprop-powered airliner with a capacity of 46 passengers.​

Services Offered

In addition to scheduled passenger flights, Freedom Airline Express provides a range of                        services:​

Ø  Charter Flights: Customized air travel solutions for individuals and organizations.

Ø  VIP/Executive Transport: Exclusive services for high-ranking officials and executives.

Ø  Cargo Flights: Reliable air cargo services to various destinations.

Ø  Aircraft Maintenance: In-house maintenance services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport.

Ø  Humanitarian and Medical Evacuation (Medevac): Specialized services for emergency medical transport.

Ø  Hajj and Umrah Travel Packages: Tailored travel services for pilgrims.​

The airline is licensed to operate across the African continent and the Middle East, catering to a diverse clientele, including governments, United Nations agencies, and international aid organizations. ​

For more information or to book a flight, you can visit their official website: freedomairexpress.com.