Kenya’s low-cost carrier, Jambojet Wednesday announced the start of cargo operations on its passenger flights.
A subsidiary of Kenya Airways (KQ), its cargo operations targets both local and regional routes such as Goma in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Early this year, the airline received regulatory approvals from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to start ferrying cargo across local and regional markets where it operates.
Through its six aircrafts each with a capacity of carrying 1.2 tonnes of cargo, it has a cargo capacity of approximately 169 tonnes every week.
Jambojet MD and CEO Karanja Ndegwa said, “Jambojet has a fleet of 6 De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q-400, and operates an average of 280 flights weekly across the network. Each flight has a cargo hold capacity of 1.2tonne, most of which flies empty. With the introduction of cargo operations, we can seamlessly connect the Coastal destinations rich in fish and seafood to Nairobi.”
“Our strategic focus going forward is promoting trade between Goma, Eastern DRC Congo and Kenya, connecting the Coast to Nairobi and to international markets and promoting passengers and cargo throughout the region,” Titus Oboogi, the Sales and Distribution Manager at Jambojet.
Jambojet has also signed agreements with other airlines such as Kenya Airways and Astral Aviation to allow for seamless connection of cargo from local destinations to international markets.
With the introduction of #JambojetCargo, we will seamlessly connect Coastal destinations rich in sea food to Nairobi, and onward to other destinations through interline agreements. ~ Jambojet CEO Karanja Ndegwa pic.twitter.com/VAVPtS27hH
— #NowTravelReady (@FlyJambojet) February 9, 2022
The airline currently flies to seven destinations from its hub in Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Ukunda (Diani), Lamu and Goma.
Also, from the Mombasa hub, it flies to three destinations namely, Kisumu, Eldoret and Lamu.
Jambojet began flights from Nairobi to Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2021, becoming the first low-cost carrier to fly the route. It is also the only direct flight between Nairobi and the Eastern DRC city.
The airline started with 2 frequencies weekly, which have since grown to 3. This came after the signing of a four-part bilateral agreement between the Government of Kenya and that of the DRC covering investment, and policy development in several economic sectors including tourism and infrastructure.
In the seven years of operation, the airline has achieved undeniable business growth; with an aggressive fleet expansion consisting of 6 brand new De Havilland Dash 8-400, and flown over 4.5 million passengers.
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