Jambojet records notable on-time performance for its flights countrywide

Nairobi, 22nd June 2017

An average of 81 percent of Jambojet flights arrived and departed on time during the month of May, according to statistics released by the budget airline on Tuesday.

The on-time performance (OTP) statistics is up from 51 percent in December 2016, but down from 85 percent this past April. The universal standard benchmark set by IATA (International Airlines Transport Association) considers flights departing within 15 minutes of the scheduled departure time as being on-time. An OTP of 80% and above is considered excellent by international aviation standards.

In the second quarter of the year, Jambojet has continued to show steady progress in customer numbers and can be attributed to increased traffic during the Easter and Madaraka holidays, as well as the addition of the new aircraft. 

Jambojet’s Chief Executive Officer Willem Hondius said,“we have recorded growth in customer numbers especially to Mombasa, Kisumu andMalindi.We attribute our growth in Malindi to the code share agreement signed with Kenya Airways last year, while for Kisumu is due to increased economic activity in the county. Heightened political activities in the larger Western Region including Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii and Kapsabet, boosted growth in Kisumu.” 

“Our focus continues to be in providing a diversified range of products, stellar on-time performance and world-class customer service. In the second half of the year, we are working hard on revenue generation with more aggressive marketing and sales initiatives,” he further explained.

The overall customer satisfaction index increased in this quarter as a result of various product enhancements.The newly revamped online booking portal, which allows consumers to hold fares for up to 24 hours, as well as access to a discounted bundle of travel extras like luggage and seat selection was well received by both corporate and individual customers.

Customers also appreciate the convenience of same day return flights, and getting to their destinations in a short span of time, especially when travelling on business.

In this second half, the airline plans to expand across the region by introducing new routes, and will also unveil new consumer campaigns that are aimed at bolstering the customer numbers, especially among the first fliers.

Jambojet currently flies to seven domestic destinations; Nairobi to Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi and Ukunda (Diani). The no-frills airline, launched in April 2014, has enabled affordable air travel for all, with first-time flyers accounting for about 30% of its customers. In the three years of operation, the no-frills airline has achieved undeniable business growth; increased frequency of flights due to fleet expansion and having have flown over 1,600,000 passengers.

Jambojet selects Q400 for fleet renewal and expansion

Ilyushin Finance leases two aircraft to a subsidiary of Kenya Airways

Toronto, April 27, 2017

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft confirms that Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) has converted an option on one Q400 aircraft to a firm order. The Moscow-based leasing company, now with two Q400 on firm order, has successfully concluded a leasing agreement with Jambojet Limited (Jambojet) of Kenya for both aircraft.

“This agreement for these next generation turboprops signifies a key development in IFC’s international leasing business,” said Alexander Rubtsov, Director General, IFC. “The demand for high-performance turboprops, such as the Q400, continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Jambojet.”

Jambojet is expected to take delivery of the first leased Q400 aircraft in May 2017, and the second aircraft later this year. The delivery of these two aircraft will increase the fleet of Q Series turboprops in Africa to over 120 aircraft including about 70 Q400 aircraft.

“We are impressed with the level of professionalism that IFC exhibited throughout the process that led to this first agreement, and are delighted to have found a trusted and reliable partner to support our development plans,” said Willem Hondius, Chief Executive Officer, Jambojet. “The Q400 aircraft’s performance has exceeded our expectations on all fronts. With its low operating costs and best-in-class passenger experience, the Q400 turboprop has helped us optimize and expand our operations and is undeniably the backbone of Jambojet’s growth strategy.”

“We are proud of the Q400 aircraft continued success in Africa. Jambojet’s operations illustrate the capabilities and qualities of the Q400 aircraft that make it uniquely suitable for the region,” said Jean- Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle-East and Africa at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 is a valuable asset for owners and operators, and we are confident that IFC and Jambojet will find many more opportunities to mutually benefit from the aircraft’s outstanding economics and performance.”

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 573 Q400 aircraft.

Jambojet acquires second Dash 8 Q400 aircraft as it gears up to regional market entry

NAIROBI, 23rd May 2017

Low-cost airline Jambojet has acquired a brand new Dash 8 Q400 jet to augment its fleet as it looks to expand its operations into the East African region.

The new aircraft, that seats 78 passengers, which will come into operation in the next few weeks, was unveiled at a ceremony at the Kenya Airways Hangar. The delivery of the new aircraft comes barely three months after the no-frills airline leased another Dash 8 from Abu Dhabi Aviation to cater to the growing demand as well as stabilize its flight schedules within the country. Currently, the airline operates two Q400s and two Boeing 737s.

The aircraft, a next-generation turboprop, is renowned for steep approaches and short take-offs. These features make it suitable for use in domestic airports such as Diani, Malindi and Manda, as well as other airports in the East African region with relatively short runways.

Mr. Willem Hondius, the Jambojet CEO and Managing Director, said that the NextGen Q400 has proven to be an exceptional addition to the carrier’s fleet because of its best-in-class passenger experience, providing an exceptionally bright, comfortable cabin. This all adds up to a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience that passengers appreciate.

"The arrival of this new aircraft is a huge milestone for Jambojet. It demonstrates how committed we are to investing in growing our business and providing more choice, comfort and quality to our passengers. We are definitely angling ourselves to fly our customers to more destinations and thus the new aircraft will help us increase capacity and fulfill our growth ambitions,’’ explained Mr. Hondius.

Jambojet continues to put in place several measures which have seen a marked improvement in on-time-performance.

After a dip in December, due to technical challenges, punctuality reached 80 % in April this year; 87% in Mombasa, 84% in Kisumu and 78% in Ukunda.

Over the next quarter, new initiatives will be introduced to continuously improve the quality of service offering as well as eliminate unwarranted waiting times for passengers. Other improvements included a refreshed online booking portal that allows consumers to block fares for up to 24 hours, as well as access to a discounted bundle of travel extras, which includes 10kg cabin luggage, 15kg checked luggage, complimentary seat selection and change fee waiver for a free date change.

Jambojet introduces bundled fare feature that accommodates perks on the no-frills airline

Nairobi, 4th April, 2017

Jambojet has launched a new fare structure dubbed ‘Smart Fare’, which offers additional flexibility, comfort and convenience to customers looking for more options. Smart fare offers customers a discounted bundle of travel extras, which includes 10kg cabin luggage, 15kg checked luggage, complimentary seat selection and change fee waiver for a free date change.

With the launch of Smart Fare, customers booking a Jambojet ticket can choose from two fare plans –Basic and Smart. While Smart Fare is designed to offer a bundle of additional benefits, Basic Fares will retain the existing pricing profile.

In his remarks on the service, Jambojet Managing Director and CEO Willem Hondius said, “As part of reinforcing our commitment to strengthen our customer experience, Smart Fare is designed to offer simple,flexible and affordable choices and ensures a seamless and hassle free travel experience.

The fare feature is available to all customers when making travel reservations through any preferred platform, be it on the website or through a travel agent.
“We appreciate that our customers deserve the luxury of travelling when and how they want, through a quick, convenient and pocket friendly means as possible,” he further explained.

The no frills airline has continually made efforts to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money, by offering the lowest competitive rates in the market, and most recently through the Price Lock feature launched in July last year, which allows customers to freeze fare quotes for up to 24 hours.

Jambojet flies to all major cities in Kenya- Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumuas well as major towns; Eldoret, Malindi Ukunda and Lamu. The low cost airline has been credited for promoting local tourism as well as opening up regions by enhancing economic growth across the counties.

In the three years of operation, Jambojet has achieved undeniable business growth; increased number of routes from four to seven, increased frequency of flights, and is continually expanding their fleet to better service its customers.