Jambojet Limited appoints Allan Kilavuka as its New Managing Director and CEO

Nairobi, Kenya, November 26, 2018

Regional low-cost carrier, Jambojet has appointed Mr. Allan Kilavuka as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective 1^st January, 2019.

 “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Allan Kilavuka as our new CEO. He has extensive knowledge and experience in the Africa business environment and has successfully delivered high outcomes at lower costs and led in driving efficiencies and simplification in his previous roles. As a growing regional low-cost carrier, we are confident that he is the ideal person to steer Jambojet to the next level,” said Vincent Rague, Jambojet’s Board Chairman.

Mr. Kilavuka has over 23 years’ experience in leadership and management. He has proven success in new organization set ups, change management, financial planning, integrations, process improvement and company compliance.

Prior to his appointment, Allan Kilavuka served at General Electric (GE), where he was the Executive in-charge of Global Operations for sub-Sahara Africa responsible for the strategic leadership in developing the shared service model and designing organization and structure. He has also held various senior roles in GE both in Kenya and South Africa.

He has a Bachelor’s of Commerce Degree from the University of Nairobi and also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology from the University of Liverpool. He has trained at GE’s world class Crotonville Leadership Institute in New York, USA in Executive Leadership, Advanced Management and Financial Management.

Mr Kilavuka is taking over from Mr. Willem Hondius who has been at the helm of the airline since its inception in 2014.

“We are grateful to Mr. Hondius for his exemplary service and leadership that put in place the necessary building blocks for a strong and successful low-cost airline. We wish him success in his future endeavours” said Mr Rague.

Mr. Hondius was instrumental in leading the introduction of Jambojet in the Kenyan market and revolutionizing air travel by opening up the skies for all to fly for less. Under his leadership, the airline has continuously grown their fleet after they recently announced the leasing of two new aircraft to join the Bombardier fleet of five.

Additionally, the airline has increased its frequencies across its six destinations to accommodate the growing demand for affordable air travel. In 2018, the low-cost carrier expanded their footprint by going regional through the launch of their Nairobi-Entebbe route and hit the 2.5 million passengers’ mark.

#JambojetHolidays at the Sarit Centre's Getaway Fair 2018

Visit our stand at the Sarit Centre's Getaway Fair 2018 and purchase tickets at any of our Kenyan destinations at Ksh 3,500 on select flights. 

Booking period: 2nd - 4th November, daily from 8.00am - 4pm.

Travel period: 14th January - 31st March, 2019

Treat yourself, or a loved one to a quick getaway to any of our local destinations at only Ksh 3,500, or to Entebbe at Ksh 10,650.  

Terms and Conditions

1. Offer Validity: 2nd to 4th November 2018
2. Travel Validity: 14th January to 31st March, 2019 - subject to availability
3. Valid for one way flights
4. Limited seats available on selected flights on a first come, first served basis
5. No group bookings (over 9 passengers)  available on promotional fares
6. Offer is subject to availability of seats at time of booking
7. Subject to airline terms and conditions

Jambojet to add new Bombardier Q-Series to their fleet

Nairobi, Kenya, November 3, 2018

Regional low cost carrier, Jambojet has leased two new Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircrafts from Chorus Aviation Capital, to add onto their growing fleet of aircrafts.

The two aircrafts which will be purchased by the global aviation company directly from the manufacturer under a Skyline arrangement for onward lease will be joining the Jambojet fleet which currently comprises of five Bombardier Q-series leased by the regional low cost airline between May 2017 and May 2018.

Jambojet CEO, Willem Hondius said: “This agreement comes at a pivotal time in Jambojet’s journey as we expand our footprint into the East Africa region and increase our frequencies to meet the high demand of affordable and quality air travel. We are looking forward to forge a fortuitous relationship with Chorus Aviation for mutual growth.”

Both aircrafts are scheduled to be delivered and enter service in the second half of 2019.

“Jambojet operates a fleet of Bombardier Q-400 Next Gen aircrafts that allows for greater efficiency in maintenance while sustaining the highest safety standards. This provides an ideal balance of passenger comfort, and allows us to maintain affordable flight fares to our customers,” Mr. Hondius added.

Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Chorus Aviation Capital, is a leading, global provider of regional aircraft leases and support services. It has been leasing its owned regional aircraft into Jazz’s Air Canada Express operation since 2009. Chorus also owns Jazz Aviation and Voyageur Aviation – companies that have long histories of safe and solid operations.

Jambojet increases flight frequency to the Coast

Nairobi, Kenya, October 15, 2018

Regional low cost carrier, Jambojet, has increased its flight frequency to its various coastal destinations ahead of the festive December season.

Jambojet CEO, Willem Hondius said that:the increase in frequency not only addresses the high demand of domestic tourists traveling to Kenya’s favoured holiday destination in Mombasa, Malindi and Ukunda but to also offer flexibility and flight variety to our customers.We have increased our frequencies to Mombasa from 38 to 49 flights, which translates to 7 frequencies daily, an additional 1,092 seats weekly.

“Most Kenyans are now taking the opportunity to tour major attractions in the country. After a long, busy and mostly cold year in the city, the sunny and soothing white beaches in Kenya’s coast are a favourite destination. As the people’s airline we have to tailor our operations to offer more flexibility and meet the travel needs of our customers,” said Mr. Hondius.

Additionally, Jambojet will boost their daily flights to Malindi and Ukunda to meet the high season demand. Ukunda will see an increase of frequency from 10 to 14 flights weekly translating to 642 additional seats while Malindi will move from 9 to 14 flights weekly creating 780 additional seats.

Since 2014, there has been a significant increase in domestic travel and tourism, according to KNBS data, there were more Kenyans accommodated in hotel rooms than the total number of foreign tourists. Notably, domestic travel spending generated 60.8 per cent of direct travel and tourism contribution to the Gross Domestic Product in 2016 compared with 39.2 per cent for international tourism receipts, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The changing perception of holiday as a ‘luxury’to the heightened awareness and appreciation for travel as a rejuvenating and educational experience, coupled with more convenient and affordable travel options through improved infrastructure, are amongst the key factors for the rise in domestic tourism in the country.

View our destinations: Mombasa, Diani (Ukunda), Malindi, Kisumu, Nairobi, Eldoret, Entebbe.