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 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.
Jambojet acquires a new Dash 8 Q400 aircraft to boost its domestic fleet
The brand new Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 next generation aircraft is expected to improve airline operations across its network
Tuesday, January 17 2017
Jambojet has acquired a brand new Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 next generation aircraft which is expected to improve the airline’s operations across its network.
The new aircraft is leased from Abu Dhabi Aviation and will replace one of the current two Q400 aircraft Jambojet is using. Currently, the airline operates two Q400s and two Boeing 737s.
The delivery of the plane is expected to help the no frills airline address the delays and stabilizeits flight schedule across the country, especially the coastal routes including Ukunda (Diani), Malindi and Lamu.
“We selected the Q400 aircraft because it has the speed and range required to service all our current domestic destinations and targeted regional destinations. It has proven to be the right aircraft for this market. In addition, the aircraft's cabin will provide a quiet and very comfortable experience for our passengers," said Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius.
“This new next generation aircraft has lower operating costs and will help us optimize our operations in terms of increasing the service quality as well as improving economics,” he further noted.
“We have some challenging runways for some of our destinations and the Q400 turboprop’s capability to operate in such terrains, its jet-like speed, long-range cruise capability and outstanding turboprop economics were key factors that guided us in selecting the aircraft for our operations,” added Mr. Hondius.
“The level of in-continent support that Bombardier offers is also very important for us.”
The 78-seater aircraft is expected to start operations in a couple of days’ time after gaining the necessary approval from the regulator, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
In the nearly three years of operation, the no-frills low cost airline has achieved undeniable business growth; increased numbers of routes from four to seven, increased frequency of flights due to fleet expansion and flown over one and a half million passengers. Currently, Jambojet flies to Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu as well as to Eldoret, Malindi, Ukunda and Lamu.
An Open Letter from Jambojet CEO
21st February 2017
We at Jambojet strive to deliver smooth and reliable services to all our passengers at all times, but unfortunately things have not gone according to plan in the past couple of months. We are truly sorry that we let you down and deeply regret the frustration and inconvenience this may have caused.
We experienced a spate of unforeseen operational challenges that led to the disruptions during the holiday season. These issues highlighted opportunities to improve our service delivery and overall customer experience; we recognize our responsibility to deliver a reliable service at all times. We are committed to you, our valued customers and are doing everything we can to make your experience with Jambojet one to remember for all the right reasons.
Based on your feedback, we are adjusting our processes in order to improve our service delivery. To this end, we already have introduced a brand new Bombardier Q400 next generation aircraft to further enhance flight schedule integrity, and look forward to even more additions to our fleet.
We know that an apology can only go so far, and customers have the right to exercise their freedom to choose any carrier for their travel needs. We are dedicated to take all necessary steps to deliver on our customer brand promise to fly you to your destination affordably and reliably.
We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding. The entire Jambojet team and I remain committed to serving you.
Sincerely,
Willem Hondius
Managing Director & CEO
Jambojet launches digital gift vouchers
Jambojet customers can now buy flight e-vouchers for their friends, family and colleagues
Friday, December 23, 2016
Low cost carrier Jambojet has launched digital gift vouchers, which offers customers the opportunity to buy flight e-vouchers for friends, family and colleagues.
Available in USD and KES currencies, the vouchers, which are valid for up to six months, and come in varying amounts tailored to suit every pocket, ranging from KES 1,000 to KES 50,000 or USD equivalent, and are ideal for either frequent fliers or one-off special occasions.
The airline will be selling the gift e-vouchers which can be personalised to suit any occasion directly from Jambojet.com. Customers can redeem the vouchers as payment for flight bookings, baggage and seat selection at the low cost carriers’ website, call center or sales offices. Jambojet chief executive officer Willem Hondius said, “The airline is very proud of the low fares we have been able to offer the Kenyan market through our website, and we are delighted to launch the digital gift vouchers, just in time for the festive season”.
Jambojet operates from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to 7 destinations in Kenya. Hondius recently reported a 17% increase in bookings, compared to December last year; with flights to Malindi and Ukunda recording 60% and 40% growth respectively.
