AIRLINES IN KENYA - Regional & Charter Airlines (Done Alphabetically, "S")

 Safarilink Aviation

Safarilink Aviation is Kenya's premier safari airline, offering scheduled flights to 17 destinations across Kenya, northern Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Their operations are centered at Nairobi's Wilson Airport, facilitating seamless connections to various safari and coastal locations.

These aircraft are specifically chosen to operate efficiently into bush airstrips within Kenya's renowned game parks.

Network and Destinations

            Key destinations served by Safarilink Aviation include;

Kenya

·  Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Lamu, Kisumu, Kitale, Loisaba, Chyulu Hills, Malindi, Diani Beach, Lodwar, Migori, Vipingo​

Tanzania

·       Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Manyara, Serengeti​

Zanzibar

·       Zanzibar Island​

Safarilink Aviation also offers private charter flights to destinations or schedules not covered by their regular services. ​

Fleet

As of January 2024, Safarilink's fleet consists of 12 aircraft, including,

·       Cessna 208B Caravans (8 aircraft)​

·       De Havilland Canada Dash 8 series

o   Dash 8-100 (1 aircraft)

o   Dash 8-200 (1 aircraft)​

o   Dash 8-300 (2 aircraft)​

​            Safety and Environmental Initiatives

In May 2019, Safarilink Aviation became the first carrier in Africa and the Middle East to receive the prestigious IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) certification, underscoring its commitment to international safety standards.

The airline is also recognized for its environmental efforts, having been awarded the Eco Tourism award for the most eco-friendly domestic airline six times. This accolade highlights Safarilink's dedication to supporting conservation projects, including partnerships with organizations like the Mt. Kenya Trust and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Contact Information

·       Head Office: Phoenix House, Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Kenya​

·       Email: res@flysafarilink.com​

·       Phone: +254 730 888 000​

For more detailed information on destinations, booking, and services, you can visit their official website: flysafarilink.com

Silverstone Air

Silverstone Air Services Limited, trading as Silverstone Air, was a privately owned Kenyan airline founded in 2017. Headquartered at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, the airline operated scheduled, charter, and cargo flights within Kenya and to select regional destinations.

Fleet

Its fleet included aircraft such as the Bombardier Dash 8 series and Fokker 50s.

By September 2019, Silverstone Air's fleet comprised 11 aircraft:​

Ø  Bombardier Dash 8-100 (2)

Ø  Bombardier Dash 8-300 (3)

Ø  Fokker 50 (3)

Ø  Fokker 50F (2)

Ø  Bombardier CRJ 100ER(F) (1)​

Destinations

The airline served destinations including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Lamu, Eldoret, Malindi, Lodwar, and Ukunda.

Operational Challenges and Suspension

In November 2019, following a series of incidents, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) temporarily grounded Silverstone Air's Dash 8 fleet for inspection. Subsequently, the airline suspended all scheduled operations, citing significant financial losses and reputational damage, by early 2020, Silverstone Air ceased its operations entirely. The airline's assets were liquidated, and its staff was laid off. The company was officially dissolved in 2020.

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.

AIRLINES IN KENYA - Regional & Charter Airlines (Done Alphabetically, "F - R")

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.

          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.

           Renegade Air

Renegade Air is a Kenyan regional airline established in 2012 and headquartered at Wilson Airport in Nairobi. The airline operates scheduled passenger services, cargo flights, private charters, and provides ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing, evacuation, and relief services.

Destinations

Renegade Air serves the following destinations:​

Ø  Nairobi (Wilson Airport), Kisumu International Airport, Wajir Airport, Homabay (Homa Bay)​

Fleet and Aircraft

Ø  Renegade Air's fleet includes:​

Ø  Bombardier Dash 8 Q100/Q200/Q300

Ø  Fokker 50 and Fokker 70

Ø  Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

Ø  ATR 72-500 (converted to cargo configuration)

Ø  ATR 72-600 (converted to cargo configuration)​

Recent Developments

In September 2024, Renegade Air introduced Kenya's first ATR 72-500 freighter, leased from Abelo and converted for cargo operations. This addition enhances the airline's capacity to transport goods across domestic and regional routes, supporting industries such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.

Contact Information

Ø  Website: flyrenegadeair.com

Ø  Headquarters: Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Kenya​

Ø  If you need further information or details on specific aspects of Renegade Air's operations, feel free to ask.

AIRLINES IN KENYA - Regional & Charter Airlines (Done Alphabetically, "A")

 1.    Airkenya Express

​AirKenya, was established in the mid-1980s, it’s a pioneering safari airline based in Nairobi, Kenya. The airline operates primarily from Wilson Airport, and it offers scheduled and charter flights to various destinations across East Africa. ​AirKenya operates mostly to tourist destinations

Destinations

AirKenya serves a range of destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, including:​

·       Kenya

Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lewa Downs, Loisaba, Meru, Nanyuki, Samburu, Migori​

·       Tanzania

Kilimanjaro International Airport​

·       Uganda

Entebbe International Airport​

Through partnerships with Regional Air in Tanzania and Aerolink in Uganda, AirKenya provides seamless connections between safari circuits in East Africa, such as Maasai Mara to Serengeti and Maasai Mara to Entebbe. ​

Fleet

AirKenya's fleet includes:​

·       De Havilland Canada Dash 7-100 (2 aircraft, 50-passenger capacity)​

·       De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter (3 aircraft, 18-passenger capacity)​

·       Bombardier DHC 8-202 (Dash 8) (1 aircraft, 37-passenger capacity)​

·       Cessna Grand Caravan C208B (3 aircraft, 11-passenger capacity)​

These aircraft are equipped with short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing access to remote airstrips in East Africa's diverse terrain.

Services

·       Scheduled Services: AirKenya offers daily flights to various destinations, providing travelers with flexibility and convenience.

·       Charter Services: Customized charter flights are available to meet individual, family, or group travel needs across East Africa. ​

Recent Developments

·       New Arrivals Terminal: In September 2024, AirKenya opened a new arrivals terminal at Wilson Airport, enhancing passenger experience with improved facilities. ​

For more information or to book a flight, visit AirKenya's official website: Air Kenya

 2.    ALS - Aircraft Leasing Services  

This is a Kenyan aviation company established in 1985.  Initially operating with a single Cessna 150, ALS has grown into a prominent provider of aircraft leasing and aviation services across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Headquartered at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, ALS offers a diverse range of services including ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) leases, charter flights, and aircraft maintenance.​

Fleet Overview

ALS's fleet comprises various aircraft types, such as:​

Ø  Embraer ERJ 145 and ERJ 135

Ø  Bombardier Dash 8-100

Ø  Beechcraft 1900

Ø  Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

Ø  Eurocopter AS350

Ø  King Air B200​

Services Offered

ALS provides several aviation services, including

Ø  ACMI Leases: Supplying aircraft with crew, maintenance, and insurance, primarily to humanitarian organizations, airlines, and the oil and gas sector.

Ø  Charter Flights: Offering both executive and humanitarian charter services tailored to client needs.

Ø  Aircraft Maintenance: Operating a maintenance hangar at Wilson Airport, providing services such as C-checks and engine inspections.

Ø  Sale & Leaseback: Allowing airlines to sell aircraft and lease them back to free up capital.​

Certifications and Accreditations

ALS holds the following certifications:​

Ø  Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC): Issued by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), allowing ALS to operate as a commercial airline.

Ø  Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO): Also issued by KCAA, permitting ALS to conduct maintenance on third-party aircraft.

Ø  IOSA Certification: ALS became the first general aviation company in Africa to receive the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) accreditation, enhancing its credibility in international aviation

Technological Integration

ALS is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance fleet management, operational efficiency, and customer experience. Strategic adoption of AI technologies is expected to position ALS as a leader in the aircraft leasing industry

Contact Information

Ø  Website: als.co.ke

Ø  Headquarters: Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Kenya

Ø  Phone: +254 709 078 000​

AIRLINES IN KENYA - Major Airlines in Kenya

1.    Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways is a flag carrier of Kenya with its headquarters in Nairobi and has direct flights to the US. It was established in 1977 after the breakup of East African Airways.

The airline has its hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi and operates International, regional, and domestic routes

Network and Destinations

Kenya Airways operates an extensive network and serve over 40 destinations in over 30 countries.

In addition, the airline also serves four domestic routes within Kenya

Africa
Kenya Airways connects Nairobi (NBO) to major cities across the continent, including:

Ø  Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

Ø  Antananarivo (Madagascar)

Ø  Cape Town (South Africa)

Ø  Livingstone (Zambia)

Ø  Accra (Ghana)

Ø  Freetown (Sierra Leone)

Ø  Maputo (Mozambique)

Ø  Mogadishu (Somalia)

Ø  Lagos (Nigeria)

Europe
Direct flights from Nairobi include:

Ø  London Heathrow

Ø  London Gatwick (new route starting July 2025)

Ø  Paris (France)

Ø  Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Ø  Rome (Italy)

Ø  Frankfurt (Germany)

Ø  Zurich (Switzerland)​

Asia
Key destinations include:

Ø  Mumbai (India)

Ø  Guangzhou (China)

Ø  Bangkok (Thailand)

Ø  Dubai (UAE)​

North America
Kenya Airways offers the only nonstop flight from East Africa to the United States:

Ø  New York (JFK)​

Domestic Routes

Within Kenya, Kenya Airways operates flights to:

Ø  Nairobi (NBO)

Ø  Mombasa (MBA)

Ø  Kisumu (KIS)

Ø  Eldoret (EDL) (new route from March 2024)​

Fleet and Aircraft

Kenya Airways operates a modern fleet mainly composed of:

·       Boeing 787 Dreamliners – for long-haul international flights

·       Boeing 737s – for regional and medium-haul routes

·       Embraer E190s – for short-haul and domestic routes

Services and Features

·       Classes: Economy, Business (Premier World)

·       Frequent Flyer Program: Flying Blue (shared with Air France-KLM)

·       Alliance Membership: SkyTeam (with Delta, KLM, Air France, etc.)

·       In-Flight Entertainment: Available on long-haul aircraft

·       Meal Service: Complimentary on international flights

2.    Jambojet

This is a low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways, Jambojet has its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and operates primarily domestic and some regional flights

Network and Destinations

          
  It serves several destinations within Kenya and neighboring East African Countries.

 Domestic Destinations

Jambojet connects Nairobi to key cities across Kenya, including:​

Ø  Mombasa (Moi International Airport)

Ø  Kisumu (Kisumu International Airport)

Ø  Eldoret (Eldoret International Airport)

Ø  Malindi (Malindi Airport)

Ø  Ukunda (Diani) (Ukunda Airport)

Ø  Lamu (Manda Airport)​

Additionally, the airline operates routes from its secondary hub in Mombasa to Kisumu and Eldoret. ​

Regional Destinations

Jambojet has expanded its network to include several regional destinations:​

Ø  Kigali, Rwanda

Ø  Entebbe, Uganda

Ø  Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ø  Zanzibar, Tanzania (starting July 1, 2024) ​

The airline has also received approval to operate flights to additional African cities, including Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Juba, Bujumbura, Hargeisa, Mogadishu, Kisangani, and Moroni. ​

Fleet and Aircraft

Jambojet primarily operates a fleet of De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, known for their efficiency on short-haul routes. The airline has also acquired additional aircraft, including a Boeing 737 and ATR72, to support its expanding network. ​

Affordable Travel

            Jambojet is committed to providing affordable air travel options. For example, the airline offers one-way             fares from Nairobi to Malindi starting at approximately Ksh 4,950, and to Lamu from Ksh 5,950,                           including taxes. ​