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. ​ 

AIRLINES FLYING TO KENYA (Done alphabetically Q-Z)

 Qantas

This is an Australian Full Service airline, Qantas is an Acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service. It was founded on 16^th November 1920. Qantas has 747 aircraft.  

SafariLink

This is a Kenyan airline based at Nairobi Wilson Airport. It operates on scheduled domestic services and also provides private charter services. It provides safari destinations within Kenya and Northern Tanzania.

Singapore Airlines

This is a flag carrier airline of Singapore founded in 1947 as Malayan Airways. It has its headquarters in Singapore. It is a member of the Star Alliance. It has a fleet of 138 flights and operates in 62 destinations worldwide.  

Travel Class

Economy class where passengers are provided with three fare options;  Lite, here the passengers can carry one check in baggage weighing up to 30kgs and 1 hand baggage with a 50% allowance of mile points. Standard where passengers carry one check in baggage weighing up to 30kgs and 75% allowance of mile points and flexi where the check in baggage weighs 35kgs and one hand baggage with 100% allowance of mile points. 

 

Premium Economy which has Standard where fare option allows the passengers to carry one check in baggage weighing up to 35kgs and one hand baggage with a 100% allowance of miles points. Flexi that allows passengers to carry one check in baggage of up to 35kgs and one hand baggage with 125% allowance of miles points.

 

Business Class; this has two options; lite that allows the passengers to carry one check in baggage of up to 40kgs and one hand baggage with a 125% allowance of miles points. Standard where it allows the passengers to carry one check in baggage that weigh up to 40kgs and one hand baggage with 100% allowance of miles points. Flexi, where the option allows the passengers to carry one check in baggage which weighs up to 40kgs and one hand baggage with 150% allowance of miles points.

 

First class where passengers are allowed to carry one check in baggage that weighs up to 50kgs and one hand baggage with an allowance of 200% miles points. Passengers can select their preferred seat in advance. 

 

Baggage allowance

Passengers with Economy class and premium Economy travel class can carry one hand baggage of 7kgs and two check in luggage weighing up to 23kgs each. Business class and first class ticket passengers are allowed two hand baggage of 7kgs each and two check in luggage which can weight up to 32kgs.

AIRLINES FLYING TO KENYA (Done alphabetically I-L)

Iberia

This is a national flag carrier of Spain and part of the IAG Group along with British Airways. Iberia is under the Oneworld airline alliance.

IndiGo

This is the largest individual Asian low cost carrier in terms of jet fleet size and passengers. It has its headquarters in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. It flies to 66 destinations both domestic and international.

Travel Class

It only offers economy class but passengers can avail their premium services such as a pre-assigned seats, multiple cancellations and priority check in with an additional cost.

Baggage allowance

IndiGo has baggage allowance of 15kgs for domestic flights and 20-30kgs for international flights. Passengers with additional baggage can pre-book IndiGo’s add on excess baggage service

JetBlue

This is headquartered in Long island City with its main base in John F Kennedy International Airport America. It flies to 102 destinations. It was founded in February 1999 under the name New Air by David Neeleman.

Travel Class

It only provides Economy class with 3 types of configuration

Blue; where the passengers travel with a carry on bag with personal items with no checked in luggage. They will enjoy  great legroom, snacks, WIFI, movies etc.

Blue Plus, this is similar to Blue fare and it allows passengers to include one checked baggage through their fare.

Blue Flex; where passengers carry 2 checked in baggage. Guests receive fast track check in and expedited security where applicable.

Mint Experience; this is available only on select Caribbean routes. It offers guests with baggage allowance, comfortable recliner seats. 

Baggage allowance

Economy class passengers are allowed 7kgs for carry on and 15kgs for checked in luggage.

LATAM Airlines Group SA

This is a Chilean airline holding company with its headquarters in Santiago, Chile. It is the largest airline company in Latin America, with subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru.