Jambojet is set to expand its wings in East Africa with the launch of a double daily flight between Nairobi and Entebbe, Uganda on February 14, 2018.
This will see the Nairobi-based budget airline become the first regional low cost airline with an introductory fare of Ksh 11,330 (incl. taxes) one-way. Customers will be able to purchase tickets from the airline’s robust online book portal – Jambojet.com, sales office, call centers or at their preferred travel agent.
Jambojet will operate double daily flights with departures from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 09.10hrs and 17.30 hrs. The flight will depart Entebbe International Airport for Nairobi at 11.00 hrs and 19.20 hrs daily.
Willem Hondius, CEO Jambojet, said: “We are delighted to launch direct service to Entebbe, a much-anticipated addition to our network where we will offer frequent and new flyers even more affordable fares. This new route will connect businesses in Kenya and Uganda while also appealing to leisure travelers, offering them the opportunity to experience the ‘Pearl of Africa’.
Mr Hondius further noted that the airline has seen an upward trend on its domestic traffic; “We are optimistic that the regional flight will spur the airline’s growth as well as foster regional integration at a national level.”
The airline currently operates a relatively young fleet of four Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. The route will be served with the recently acquired 78 seater; turboprop Bombardier Next Gen Q400 as it plans to venture into other regional destinations.
The barely four-year-old airline which currently operates to Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Mombasa, Nairobi and Ukunda has achieved undeniable business growth; increased numbers of routes from four to six, increased frequency of flights due to fleet expansion and flown over two million passengers.
A report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2017 revealed that African airlines’ traffic was expected to grow by up to 9.9% annually. The report noted African airports continue to record positive performance, welcoming an increase in international arrivals that currently stand at 14%.
The move comes two days after the announced it was launching flights into Wajir with the maiden flight on the new route will take off from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on February 14, 2018, operating the state of the art Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 Next Generation aircraft.
The airline, which will commemorate four years of operation on April 1 2018, is targeting the growing domestic travel market comprising of traders, investors, government workers and employees of local and international aid agencies to cement its position in Kenya’s foremost low cost airline market.
Jambojet fares from Nairobi to Wajir will start from Ksh 5,200 (inclusive of taxes) making travel to the county more affordable and convenient. The flights will depart Nairobi on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6:10am and depart from Wajir at 7:45am. On Wednesdays and Fridays the airline will operate afternoon flights only, with departures from Nairobi at 15:30 and will leave Wajir at 17:05.
Commenting on the launch of the new route, Hondius said: “This announcement is yet another proud moment for Jambojet and another milestone in our four year old narrative. We are delighted to finally bring affordable travel to Wajir and are confident that our product will appeal greatly to government, business and leisure travellers alike.”
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Earlier in the month, the budget airline increased frequencies across all its routes in the country in an effort offer additional flight choices to its customers. Jambojet is currently the main local airline operating on all local major routes countrywide. The airline has achieved sustained business growth; increased numbers of routes from four to six, increased frequency of flights due to fleet expansion and flown over two million passengers. Currently, Jambojet flies to Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu as well as to Eldoret, Malindi and Ukunda.
