Jetways launches scheduled Nairobi, Maasai Mara flights

Local airline Jetways Airlines is set to introduce scheduled flights between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara on December 1.

According to the airline’s sales and marketing manager Caroline Kiptoo, the carrier will operate daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Flights will be terminated at various airstrips like Keekorok, Mara North, Serena, and Kichwa Tembo.

Ms Kiptoo attributed the planned inauguration of scheduled flights between Nairobi and the Mara to passenger demand – especially from local and international safari enthusiasts.

“Over the years, we have been operating charter flights between Nairobi to the Mara, but owing to passenger demand, we will launch scheduled flights to the wildlife hotspot in December,” she explained.

The Nairobi-Mara service, will be its second scheduled flight route after the Nairobi-Wajir scheduled flights took off August this year.

It plans to introduce scheduled flights to Diani in Kwale, she said.

The Jetways official said the carrier has for years been operating charter flights across East and Central Africa.

Most popular charter destinations in the region include Mombasa, which is Kenya’s tourism hub and the Maran.

Hoteliers in the South Coast, have welcomed Jetways plans.

Diani Reef Beach Resort managing director Bobby Kamani, said when more airlines operate scheduled flights between Nairobi and Diani, it would boost tourism in the South Coast.

Holidaymakers prefer to fly directly from Nairobi to Diani to avoid ferry challenges at the Likoni channel.