Jambojet acquires plane ahead of regional expansion

Low cost carrier Jambojet has acquired a new plane as it plans to start regional operations in the first half of 2018.

The Bombadier plane is leased to the airline by Danish firm Nordic Aviation Capital bringing the airline’s total fleet to four.

The additional aircraft gives Jambojet flexibility to increase flights as well as open regional routes.

Jambojet chief executive officer Willem Hondius said with the growth in passengers, the airline is confident its expansion plans will work as more people adopt the low cost flying model.

“Basically, we are matching our expansion agenda with the right equipment to ensure that we deliver the best service to our growing customer base,” Mr Hondius said.

The delivery of the fourth aircraft at the end of January next year will make Jambojet the only carrier with the youngest fleet in the world, a reflection of the airline’s commitment to efficiency and regional expansion.

Jambojet started off with two Boeing 737s given to the airline by Kenya Airways. Jambojet has however since returned one of the 737s to Kenya Airways and will return the other once it takes possession of the new Bombadier Dash8 Q400.

The expanded fleet also enables the budget airline to cope with the high number of bookings over the festive period.

Jambojet intends to fly to Uganda and Tanzania in the first quarter of 2018 with plans to expand as demand rises.

Jambojet currently flies to Mombasa, Ukunda, Malindi, Kisumu and Eldoret from its Nairobi base.

Jambojet has applied for operating licenses in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and the DRC.