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.