Kisumu: Low-cost carrier Jambojet is set to enhance its operations on the Kisumu-Nairobi route following the acquisition of a ninth aircraft, a Dash 8 Q400, which will boost the airline's capacity to meet growing passenger demand. Speaking in Kisumu, Jambojet Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Karanja Ndegwa, revealed that the new aircraft, expected to arrive next week, will increase the number of daily flights between Nairobi and Kisumu from six to seven, with a possibility of scaling up to eight flights on peak days like Fridays and Sundays.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kisumu is Jambojet's third biggest market after Nairobi and Mombasa and has shown consistency over the years. The airline has carried 1.53 million passengers on this route in the past decade, with 254,000 passengers last year alone. The Kisumu route contributes between 17% and 18% of Jambojet's annual passenger traffic, making it one of the airline's most profitable domestic routes.
Ndegwa emphasized that Jambojet's sustainability is attributed to its low-cost carrier model, which focuses on cost optimisation and efficient aircraft utilisation. The airline's dominance on the Kisumu-Nairobi route is attributed to quick turnaround times, allowing passengers to disembark and board in just 25 minutes.
Operational performance-wise, Jambojet achieved 83% on-time performance last year, slightly short of its 85% target. The new aircraft will also facilitate separating currently combined routes such as Kisumu-Eldoret, which are now operated as triangular flights. On peak days, direct flights to both Kisumu and Eldoret will be reinstated.
Regarding the suspended Goma route in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ndegwa confirmed that operations halted due to safety concerns. However, there is a willingness to resume once conditions stabilize. The airline has since redeployed capacity from the Goma suspension to bolster domestic routes, including Kisumu, Mombasa, and Diani.
Future route expansion through Kisumu International Airport is being explored, although potential new routes like Kisumu to Juba are still under evaluation due to insufficient numbers. Domestic expansion in Western Kenya faces challenges due to high-altitude runways and limited runway lengths.
In response to fluctuating jet fuel prices, Ndegwa stated that there are no immediate plans to increase ticket prices, despite recent fuel cost rises. Fare adjustments will only be considered if prices hit Sh100 per litre.