This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
On November 26, 2019, regional carrier Jambojet made its inaugural flight to Kigali, becoming the first low-cost carrier to operate the route.
The airline will operate daily flights from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, utilizing its brand new De Havilland Dash 8 – 400 aircraft.
Speaking before the maiden trip, Jambojet Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka emphasized the airline's commitment to expanding its regional presence.
“Today we mark a major milestone in our regional expansion strategy. Our aim is to grow our footprint across the continent, while offering a unique product for these markets. We expect that our low-cost model will enable more people to fly affordably, conveniently, and safely,” said Mr. Kilavuka.
With this expansion, Jambojet aims to tap into the vast opportunities presented by the African market. The airline has already begun eyeing regular flights to South Sudan, Mogadishu, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Union of the Comoros, and Malawi.
Since its inception in 2014, Jambojet has flown over 3 million passengers, with 30% being first-time flyers. The airline has also received recognition for its operational safety, being awarded the IATA Operational Safety Audit certification (IOSA) and ranked as the top airline in Africa with the youngest fleet.