Between 2020 and 2022, when the virus peaked, airlines across the world lost KSh 22.5 trillion, as reported by IATA.
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In July 2020, domestic flights in Kenya resumed after a four-month hiatus providing hope for thousands who had lost jobs Some of the private airlines operating in Kenya are AirKenya Express, Skyward Express, Safarilink Aviation, and Fly540.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Kenya has over 50 private airlines operating within the East African region and internationally.
After the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that halted operations in airports leading to job cuts, the aviation industry has rebounded following the reopening of the skies.
List of private airlines in Kenya and their owners
Between 2020 and 2022, when the virus peaked, airlines across the world lost KSh 22.5 trillion, as reported by IATA. In July 2020, domestic flights in Kenya resumed after a four-month hiatus.
- AirKenya Express
AirKenya Express was launched in 1987 after two airlines were merged- Air Kenya and Sunbird Aviation. On its website, the airline indicated it was the first in the country to fly into the Maasai Mara, Lake Turkana region, Lamu and Diani.
It boasts nine fleets that fly within the Kenyan airspace and scheduled destinations in the East African Community (EAC) region.
AirKenya Express is owned by a Kenyan-controlled consortium. Dino Bisleti, an Italian national, serves as its general manager
- Skyward Express
With over 10 aircraft, the airline provides cargo and passenger services. The airline was established in 2013 by Mohamed Abdi, and Issack Somow, who are licensed pilots. Other investors have since bought shares. Somow and Abdi initially began with one plane but acquired other aircraft over time.
Skyward Express has a parking base at Wilson Airport in Nairobi. According to its website, it flies to Mombasa‚ Diani, Lodwar, Eldoret and other towns.
- Safarilink Aviation
Safarilink Aviation was launched in 2004 by John Buckley and Anu Vohora. Between 2004 and 2020, Buckely steered the airline as its chief executive officer before handing it over to Alex Avedi.
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The airline operates from Wilson Airport and offers scheduled flights to several destinations in Kenya. It flies passengers to Maasai Mara, Zanzibar and other tourist sites in Kenya. The airline boasts 14 fleets.
- Fly540
According to its website, Don Smith and Nixon Ooko co-founded Fly540 in 2005. In November 2006, the airline received a license to operate in the Kenyan airspace.
It began offering flight services to Tanzania and South Sudan in 2010. The airline has parking spaces at the Jomo Kenyatta International and Wilson Airports.
- Timbis Air Services
Timbits Air Services was established in November 2009 to provide both cargo and passenger services. Its parent company is Kenya Homes Ltd and operates from JKIA.
- Bluebird Aviation
The airline began operations in 1992. It’s owned by several shareholders led by Yusuf Abdi Adan and Hussein Farah. Others are Hussein Unshur Mohamed and Mohamed Abdikadir Adan.
Hussein Farah serves as its managing director and chairman. On the other hand, Unsure holds the position of general manager while Adan is the technical director.
- Bluesky Aviation Services
Bluesky Aviation Services began flying in 1996 with Cessna 402 plane. It has expanded and now owns three other places registered as Let L-410 Turbolet, model E9, and E20.
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Its hubs are located at Wilson Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport, Mombasa. Peter Mwaura and Peter Ndavu are directors of the company.
- Mombasa Air Safari
The Mombasa-based airline was launched in 1974. It offers passenger services within East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
Mombasa Air Safari has a passenger lounge at Wilson Airport. Mohammed Harunany serves as its chief executive officer, while Christine Cronchey is the commercial manager.
