Jambojet relaunches direct flights to Lamu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 15 – Jambojet Wednesday relaunched direct flights to Lamu stepping up competition for passengers in the coastal region.

The airline will fly from Nairobi to Lamu via Mombasa four times weekly with an introductory one-way fare of Sh7, 100 from Nairobi to Lamu, and Sh4,600 for a one-way trip from Mombasa to Lamu.

The airline had initially suspended flights along the route over insecurity issues and the unavailability of space to hold aircraft in Manda airport.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Najib Balala who was present during the launch assured that the region is being safe even as he urged the Ministry of Transport to ensure completion of the Manda Airstrip by end of November.

“The relaunch of Jambojet to Lamu confirms the security is intact. Lamu is safe and there shouldn’t be any advisories against it. Lamu is an important destination for Kenya, “Balala said.

Jambojet Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Karanja Ndegwa, on his part, noted that the airline expects to attract more visitors, especially with the construction of the Lamu Port South Sudan – Ethiopia Transport (LAPPSET) corridor.

“We are relaunching our re-entry into our Lamu route. It has been four years since we have been on this route, The government has also been making it easier for us,”  Ndegwa said.

The carrier will deploy a Dash8-Q400 aircraft which can carry up to 80 passengers on a single trip.

At the same time, Jambojet together with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife unveiled a new aircraft livery wrap.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO Betty Radier said the branding, which will run for a period of one year, aims at promoting the conservation of the endangered sea turtle, and the dugong, a rare sea mammal.

“This journey will enable us to build a brand association between  KTB and Jambojet and thus increase the destination’s appeal to more consumers in the domestic and regional markets. The Aircraft that we shall be unveiling today will showcase Magical Kenya to all the seven local destinations that the aircraft shall be flying,”  Radier said.