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Skyward Express launches flights to Mombasa from Nairobi

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen during the launch of Skyward Express' inaugural flight from JKIA to Mombasa on March 28, 2024. Photo: X/kipmurkomen

By Barack Oduor | Thursday, March 28, 2024

According to Murkomen, the launch of the new route, which is coming a few days after Kenya Airways resumed flights to Eldoret, shows that air transport in the country is blossoming.

Skyward Express, a low-cost airline, has launched daily flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Moi International Airport in Mombasa to give coast-bound passengers more options.

The company on Thursday unveiled the first direct flights from Nairobi to Mombasa in what is expected to increase competition among domestic airlines plying the route.

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The carrier, which normally operates from Wilson Airport on various routes, will be flying to the coastal town twice a day. "We're thrilled to announce that we now offer flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Terminal 2 to Moi International Airport Mombasa," said a statement from Skyward Express.

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is committed to ensuring a favourable business environment to enable firms to grow and create more jobs.

"We are also enhancing connectivity, which will enhance trade, travel, and economic growth. The launch of Skyward Express' inaugural flight today from JKIA to Mombasa will help improve international and domestic connectivity," said Murkomen.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen during the launch of Skyward Express' inaugural flight from JKIA to Mombasa on March 28. Photo: X/kipmurkomen

The CS expressed confidence that the business decision taken by the company to provide air connectivity to various parts of the country will boost air transport in the country. "Last year, the airline became the first to launch the Nairobi-Kakamega route, bringing commercial air transport for the first time to the Western region."

The airline has recently introduced more flights to different destinations in the country amid growing demand for air travel. They introduced flights between Nairobi and Kitale on June 30, 2023, as demand on the route ballooned. Later, in September 2023, the airline began flights between Nairobi and Migori to expand its network across Western Kenya. It also entered the Nairobi-Kakamega route subsequently.

According to Murkomen, the launch of the new route, which is coming a few days after Kenya Airways resumed flights to Eldoret, shows that air transport in the country is blossoming.

He added that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for airlines to expand their routes to spur growth in the local aviation sector and lure more aviation businesses to the country.

He said President William Ruto's administration is keen on creating jobs in the sector. He mentioned the decision by the government last year to exempt importers of aircraft parts from paying Valued Added Tax to create an enabling environment in the sector.

"Another way to bolster aviation businesses is to create a customs union in the East African Community so that airlines such as Skyward Express not only open new routes in Kenya but also in the region."

The Cs revealed that they are currently working with East African partner states to create a union, which will make it easier for member countries to trade freely with each other by reducing administrative and financial burdens on companies.

"Under our open skies policy, we are also facilitating more foreign airlines to fly into Kenya while ensuring reciprocity from their countries. We are, however, balancing this with a mechanism to protect local businesses," he added.