Local airline 748 Air Services is set to resume scheduled domestic flights in Kenya this May under its Fly748.com brand, marking a return to the passenger segment after a period of operational restructuring aimed at improving service delivery and safety standards.
The relaunch will see the airline reconnect Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with key destinations such as Mombasa and Ukunda (Diani), using Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, as it seeks to re-enter a competitive market and expand its presence beyond charter operations.
The company, which is primarily known for charter passenger and cargo services, has traditionally served humanitarian agencies, government institutions, and private sector clients, often operating in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Based at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, 748 Air Services has built its reputation around flexible, mis
sion-driven aviation services, with its name originating from the Hawker Siddeley 748 aircraft used in its early humanitarian operations.
The return to scheduled flights is part of a broader strategy to support tourism, trade, and regional connectivity, particularly in areas that rely heavily on air transport.
“Our re-launch marks a new chapter for Fly 748.com and for domestic aviation in Kenya. We are committed to providing dependable air services that connect communities, support businesses, and contribute to the growth of tourism and regional economies,” said George Oduor, Head of Fly 748.com.
Initial routes will cover Nairobi, Mombasa and Ukunda, with fares starting from Ksh 6,500 one way, while the airline indicates that additional destinations will be introduced gradually based on market demand.
The airline also says it has worked closely with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to ensure all regulatory and operational requirements are met ahead of the relaunch, while maintaining certification under the Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) Gold Status, a global safety accreditation by the Flight Safety Foundation.
“The safety management system we have in place is robust and predictive, not reactive. Achieving BARS Gold Status demonstrates our focus on safety, quality, and reliability,” said Ahmed Jibril, Chairman of Fly 748.com.
Beyond operations, the airline says it is implementing an Environmental Management System introduced in 2022 to reduce its carbon footprint and improve environmental performance through emission control and operational efficiency.
“We conduct thorough assessments of our carbon emissions and are implementing targeted strategies to reduce our environmental impact,” Oduor added.
The relaunch places 748 Air Services within a domestic aviation market that continues to grow, driven by demand for business and leisure travel, particularly along key routes such as Nairobi to the coast.
Industry observers are expected to watch how the airline balances its established charter business with scheduled services, as competition intensifies among carriers seeking to attract passengers through pricing, reliability, and route coverage.
Passengers will be able to book flights through the airline’s website, authorised travel agents, and ticketing offices nationwide, as the company works to rebuild its scheduled service presence while maintaining its core role in cargo and specialised aviation operations.
