A surge of interest in Kenya’s aviation sector is evident as over 30 airlines have applied to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for licenses to operate within the country’s airspace. Among the applicants are notable carriers such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Bluebird Aviation, Jetways, and African Express Airways, all vying for approval to either expand their domestic or international air services.
The KCAA has confirmed receiving numerous applications, reflecting a robust interest from airlines seeking to capitalize on Kenya’s growing aviation market. Some airlines are looking to expand their fleets by adding new aircraft models, while others aim to enter new international or domestic markets.
Bluebird Aviation Eyes International Expansion
If granted a license, Bluebird Aviation plans to operate scheduled international services for passengers, cargo, and mail across key regional destinations. The routes under consideration include Arusha, Mogadishu, Entebbe, Kigali, and Zanzibar, all of which will be serviced via Nairobi’s Wilson or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Jetways Targets Domestic Routes
Jetways Airlines is looking to expand its domestic operations, applying for a license to serve passengers, cargo, and mail on key routes such as Mombasa, Ukunda, and Lodwar. The airline intends to use Fokker aircraft types, including the F50, F70, and F100, based at JKIA and Wilson Airport.
Saudi Arabian Airlines and Regional Operators
Saudi Arabian Airlines is also among those seeking approval, with an eye on operating non-scheduled cargo services between Nairobi and other global destinations. Meanwhile, Tanzania Air Services is looking to expand its footprint by offering international non-scheduled services for passengers, cargo, and mail between Kenya and Tanzania, using a fleet based out of Dar es Salaam.
Several other operators, including SAC, Dragonfly, Lady Lori, Astral Aviation, and Airvan, have applied to modify their existing licenses to accommodate additional aircraft types, further demonstrating the dynamism of Kenya’s aviation sector.
KCAA’s Ongoing Approvals and Growth
Earlier this year, the KCAA granted a number of new licenses and variations, signaling continuous expansion in both domestic and international operations. According to KCAA statistics, passenger traffic has seen consistent growth, with a 16.8% increase in total passengers handled in 2018 compared to the previous year. This surge included a 22.5% rise in domestic passenger traffic and a 13.1% increase in international passengers.
International passenger arrivals grew by 13.3%, while departures saw a 16.7% rise in the same period. Transit passenger numbers also rose by 7.7%, further bolstering Kenya’s reputation as a key transit hub in the region.
Cargo and Mail Growth
Kenya’s cargo sector has also experienced significant growth. The total volume of commercial cargo traffic increased by 23.3% in 2018, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) handling the bulk of this growth, recording a 24.8% increase. Mombasa’s Moi International Airport (MIA) also contributed, with an 11.1% increase in cargo volume. However, other smaller airports saw a slight decrease in cargo handling.
Mail traffic also surged, with an impressive 35.8% increase in volume, largely due to a 36.2% rise in mail handled at JKIA.
The continued interest from local and international airlines, coupled with the steady rise in passenger and cargo traffic, reflects Kenya’s growing importance as a regional aviation hub. The pending approvals from the KCAA could further boost Kenya’s position in the global aviation market.
