Jambojet has acquired a brand new Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 next generation aircraft which is expected to improve the airline’s operations across its network.
The new aircraft is leased from Abu Dhabi Aviation and will replace one of the current two Q400 aircraft Jambojet is using. Currently, the airline operates two Q400s and two Boeing 737s.
The delivery of the plane is expected to help the no-frills airline address the delays and stabilize its flight schedule across the country, especially the coastal routes including Ukunda (Diani), Malindi and Lamu.
“We selected the Q400 aircraft because it has the speed and range required to service all our current domestic destinations and targeted regional destinations. It has proven to be the right aircraft for this market. In addition, the aircraft’s cabin will provide a quiet and very comfortable experience for our passengers,” said Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius.
“This new next-generation aircraft has lower operating costs and will help us optimize our operations in terms of increasing the service quality as well as improving economics,” he further noted.
“We have some challenging runways for some of our destinations and the Q400 turboprop’s capability to operate in such terrains, its jet-like speed, long-range cruise capability and outstanding turboprop economics were key factors that guided us in selecting the aircraft for our operations,” added Mr. Hondius.
“The level of incontinent support that Bombardier offers is also very important for us.”
The 78-seater aircraft is expected to start operations in a couple of days’ time after gaining the necessary approval from the regulator, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
In the nearly three years of operation, the no-frills low-cost airline has achieved undeniable business growth; increased numbers of routes from four to seven increased frequency of flights due to fleet expansion and flown over one and a half million passengers. Currently, Jambojet flies to Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu as well as to Eldoret, Malindi, Ukunda and Lamu.