Jambojet launch daily flights to Kigali as it moves to own the African sky

Jambojet’s De Havilland 8D (5Y-JXL) touched down at Kigali International airport at 3:33PM on Monday.
Jambojet Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, says Rwanda is increasingly becoming a vibrant harbor for many Kenyans.
Jambojet was the first Kenyan airline to ever take part in Dubai Airshow, 2019.

Flying to the land of a thousand hills from Kenya’s capital has just gotten simpler and cheaper.

Jambojet, Kenya’s budget airline, made its inaugural flight to Kigali on Monday effectively becoming the first low cost carrier to fly the route.

Jambojet’s De Havilland 8D (5Y-JXL) touched down at Kigali International airport at 3:33PM on Monday to a triumphant water gun salute, followed by ribbon cutting.

“Today we mark a major milestone in our regional expansion strategy. Our aim is to grow our footprint across the continent, while offering a unique product for these markets. We expect that our low-cost model will enable more people to fly affordably, conveniently, and safely,” said Jambojet Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka.

Jambojet CEO Allan Kilavuka. Pulse Live Kenya

Mr. Kilavuka said the decision to start flying to Kigali was informed by the need to tap into Rwanda, which is increasingly becoming a vibrant harbor for many Kenyans and the country’s close ties with Kenya.

The Airline will be flying once daily from its hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, to Kigali International Airport.

Kigali International Airport ece-auto-gen

Kenya’s Cabinet Administrative Secretary for Tourism Joseph Boinnet welcomed the move, adding that it will go along way in boosting the country's tourism sector.

“We are proud of our local airline Jambojet for this far it has come, and I am confident that Kenyans, Rwandese and other tourists will be able to travel to Kenya and Rwanda more often and get to experience what the two countries have to offer thus boosting our tourist sectors,” said Boinnet.

Jambojet’s De Havilland Dash 8-400, showcased at Dubai Airshow, 2019. (courtesy) Pulse Live Kenya

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Since early this year, Jambo jet has been on a roll. The airline’s newest De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft was among 165 aircraft exhibited by leading manufacturers at the 2019 Dubai Airshow.

It was the first Kenyan airline to ever take part in an international air show.

Mr Allan Kilavuka(middle), CEO, Jambojet and Maureen Okomo, Chief Engineer, Jambojet receive the Bombardier 2018 Airline Reliability Award from Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Head of the Q Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. (courtesy) Pulse Live Kenya

On July, Jambojet became the only operator after Kenya Airways to get IATA’s certificate in Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration in the country, reinforcing its commitment to maintain global safety standards in its operations.

The airline was also awarded the 2018 Bombardier Reliability Award for outstanding performance. Jambojet was also the only African airline among the thirteen airlines from around the world that were recognised.

Jambojet Pulse Live Kenya

Currently, the airline founded in 2014, flies to five local destinations including Malindi, Ukunda, Mombasa, Kisumu and one regional destination Entebbe, Uganda.

Jambojet is also eyeing South Sudan, Mogadishu, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Union of the Comoros and Malawi.