Jambojet expects to ferry 800,000 by the end of this year after the launch of the new route, setting a 10 per cent target growth annually with the doubling of flights.
Currently, it flies 700, 000 passengers every year, to five local destinations Malindi, Diani, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret.
The new plane acquired on a 10-year lease agreement is the first of four aircrafts expected this year to boost the airlines capacity, and reduce fuel costs by 25 per cent, as it looks to expand its wings across Africa.
JamboJet's regional expansion strategy comes at a time when the KQ is pulling off some regional routes.
Yesterday it announced it will suspended flights to Libreville, Gabon and Cotonou, Benin from October 14.
Chief commercial officer Ursula Silling said customers travelling to the two destinations beyond the date will be rerouted or rebooked through KQ partner airlines.
She said the decision to withdraw its operations to the two countries is part of its strategy to align its network worldwide.
“KQ will continue to optimise its network in order to serve its customers better while adapting to the constantly changing market demand,” said Siling.
The return of Uganda Airlines after a long absence has stiffened. It flies from Kampala and Entebbe to Nairobi, Juba and Mogadishu.
Kilavuka said competition is welcome as long as the companies abide by the regulations and rules for a fair game.
On the planned nationalisation of Kenya Airways, Kilavuka said they are awaiting the decision and the modalities to see how it will affect JamboJet.
“KQ nationalisation is the big discussion now and is still on works. As for now, we continue improving and growing our (Jambojet) business, and then we will be on safe hands,” he said.
In July, MPs adopted the National Assembly transport committee's report setting out the nationalisation of the listed company and recommending the formation of an umbrella Aviation Holding Company to run Kenya’s aviation sector.
