This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On 22 March 2019, Kenya Airways took a significant step towards expanding its domestic routes after receiving a three-year air service licence from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The licence allows the airline to operate new domestic flight routes to Wajir, Homabay, Lokichoggio, Isiolo, and Maasai Mara using various aircraft types, including Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Boeing 737, and Embraer 190.
According to the KCAA Gazette notice, the licence is valid for three years from the date of issue. This development is expected to increase competition for smaller airlines such as Silverstone Air, which already operates on some of these routes.
Kenya Airways currently operates flights to Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu routes through its low-cost subsidiary Jambojet. The airline charges between Sh5,500 and Sh12,500 for a one-way ticket, depending on the season.
The potential addition of more domestic flights by Kenya Airways is expected to increase options available to customers and could lead to a reduction in air ticket prices. This move comes at a time when the carrier is looking to shore up revenues while cutting costs to improve its financial position.
