A local commercial airline has introduced two daily return flights along the Nairobi Kisumu route to tap into the huge demand for air transport to and from the lakeside town.
Reliance Air Charters made its maiden flight on Thursday from Wilson airport in Nairobi to the lakeside city.
The 30-seater Embraer 120 targets businessmen who will be able to travel to Nairobi and back, who want to avoid the tedious check- in procedures at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and traffic jams.
Reliance Air Charters Quality Assurance Manager Jeffrey Abbas said the daily flights will improve the economy, since many people have not been able to travel by air to the region due to scarcity of flights.
“The demand for air transport in Kisumu is huge and many people fail to secure seats to travel and do business. We are bringing a fast, secure and convenient alternative at affordable rates,” she said.
Passengers will pay Ksh 6, 800 one way, with indications that the airline could introduce a third flight soon.
Abbas said Reliance Air Charters has partnered with Britex Air Services, who are the sole ticket sellers for the airline.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member in charge of Transport Mr. Hanif Rana said the entrance of the airline shall attract more passengers to Kisumu International airport since the four airlines plying the route were overstretched.
“This airport serves not only Kisumu, but the neighboring counties of Siaya, Migori, Homabay, Kisii, Nyamira, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and Kakamega, therefore the potential is huge,” he said.
He called for more airlines to consider flying to Kisumu to tap into the huge potential and boost economic activities in the region.
Kisumu International Airport Manager Joseph Okumu thanked the airline for considering the route, saying the move shall create jobs directly and indirectly.
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