Poland’s Yes Airline starts direct flights to Mombasa

By Philip Mwakio 
 
Tourism in the country got a boost after a new charter airline from Poland started flights into Mombasa.

Yes Airways started its first flight into the coastal town from Warsaw, Fredric Chopin International Airport, Poland on Sunday night bringing into the country 180 tourists.

The airline is operated by IKATA, Poland’s largest tour operator and Kenya Aerotech is its ground handling agents.

 “We are excited at the start of this service into Kenya and are looking forward to increased frequencies here, ‘’Captain Gery Roose who piloted the Airbus 320 aircraft on its inaugural flight told the media.

The captain said they made a stopover in Hargada, Egypt before heading to Mombasa making it a nine-hour trip.

Yes Airways which is six months old since its formation joins several other airlines that land at the Moi International Airport (MIA) in Mombasa.

Tourism
Tourism players in Mombasa welcomed its arrival saying it signaled Kenya’s stand as a preferred long haul destination from Europe into Africa.

“We have a wonderful product that combines both beach and safari holiday unparalled the world over,’’ Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association Executive officer Millicent Odhiambo said.

 Moi International Airport Manager, Mr. Yatich Kagungo said that three other new flights are due to start operations this month.

 They include a Russian charter, Alitalia from Italy, which will be making a comeback, and FinAir from Finland.