Low-cost airline gets entry into Kenyan airspace

Budget airline Fastjet will start flying from Kenya to Tanzania early next month in what is set to push down the cost of air transport in the East African region.

The airline, which has started booking passengers for its inaugural flight on January 11, will be operating direct flights between Nairobi to Dar es Salaam and Nairobi to Kilimanjaro. Its introductory flights is Sh8,800.

Currently, it costs on average Sh30,000 for a return flight from these destinations.

“Yes Kenya! Tickets are now on sale for flights from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi, and Kilimanjaro to Nairobi for travel from 11th January 2016,” the airline said as it announced its inaugural flight from Nairobi. Its entry is set to increase competition on the route with Kenya Airways.

The aviation regulator gave the low-cost airline a licence in October that allowed it to launch its operations in Kenya. The carrier said it had been granted an Air Service Licence (ASL) by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

The licence will now allow it to apply for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to launch flights in the country. The airline has had difficulty in its previous attempts to enter the Kenyan market.

“The granting of the ASL clears the way for Fastjet Kenya to commence the application process for an AOC, which once received, will allow the airline to operate domestic flights within Kenya,” the airline said in a statement.

It added that the AOC application process would involve an in-depth review of Fastjet Kenya’s planned safety management system, operational manuals and structures, its senior staff, fleet, maintenance facilities and technical capability.