Skyward Express, (IATA: OW, ICAO: SEW), is a private airline operating in Kenya. It serves local destinations, from its two operations bases at Wilson Airport for passengers and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for cargo. Both airports are located in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital city.[2][3]
| |||||||
| Founded | 2013 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating bases | Wilson Airport (Passenger) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Cargo) | ||||||
| Focus cities | Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi | ||||||
| Fleet size | 10 | ||||||
| Destinations | 8 | ||||||
| Headquarters | Wilson Airport | ||||||
| Key people | Mohamed Abdi (Chairman) [1] | ||||||
| Website | Homepage | ||||||
Location
editThe airline maintains its headquarters at Wilson Airport, within Nairobi, Kenya's largest city and the country's capital.[4] Wilson Airport is located approximately 5 kilometres (3 mi), by road, southwest of the city centre.[5]
The airline maintains a private building at Wilson Airport, for the exclusive use of Skyward Express staff and clients. The building is "equipped with a modern cafeteria", among other amenities.[6]
History
editSkyward Express was established in 2013, by two pilots; one of whom serves as the chairman of the airline, while the other serves as its managing director. Skyward Express inherited some equipment and some routes from the defunct Skyward International Aviation.[2]
Overview
editWith the cessation of service by Skyward International Aviation, Skyward Express began commercial operations in 2013. Initially, the airline offered passenger charter and cargo service between Nairobi, Kenya, and destinations in neighboring Somalia. These services included the shipment of miraa from Nairobi to Somalia.[2]
With the acquisition of more aircraft, the airline has expanded and diversified its passenger and cargo service to include more destinations and frequencies to oil-rich northwestern Kenyan counties and coastal tourist attractions.[2]
Destinations
editAs of April 2021, Skyward Express scheduled services to the following destinations:[2][7]
- Kenya
- Nairobi: Wilson Airport (Passenger Hub)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Cargo Hub) - Eldoret: Eldoret International Airport
- Lodwar: Lodwar Airport
- Mombasa: Moi International Airport
- Malindi: Malindi Airport[6]
- Lamu: Lamu Airport[8]
- Ukunda: Ukunda Airport[6]
- Kakamega: Kakamega Airstrip
- Kitale: Kitale Airport
- Migori: Migori Airport
- Nairobi: Wilson Airport (Passenger Hub)
Fleet
editAs of September 2023, Skyward Express maintained the following aircraft:[2]
| Aircraft | In fleet | Order | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fokker 50 | 5 | — | 50 | |
| Fokker 70 | 1 | — | 70 | |
| Fokker 100 | 1 | — | 110 | |
| Dash8-Q300 | 3 | — | 50 | |
| Total | 10 | — |
Accidents and incidents
edit- On July 21, 2021, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 registered as 5Y-GRS crash-landed at El Wak, Kenya when its landing gear collapsed.[9]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Githae Mwaniki (21 September 2016). "Battle Hots Up In East Africa's Thriving LCC Market". Nairobi: African Aerospace News Service. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f Githae Mwaniki (21 September 2016). "Battle Hots Up In East Africa's Thriving LCC Market". Nairobi: African Aerospace News Service. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ Skyward Express (9 April 2021). "About Us". Nairobi: Skyward Express. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ Skyward Express (9 April 2021). "Contact Us". Nairobi: Skyward Express. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi And Wilson Airport, Nairobi" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ a b c Maarufu Mohamed (5 February 2021). "Here we Come as Skyward Express Spreads It's [sic?] Wings to Malindi International Airport". Mombasa: Golf News Links Kenya. Retrieved 9 April 2021.[dead link]
- ^ Skyward Express (9 April 2021). "Our Destinations". Nairobi: Skyward Express. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ Mathias Ringa (7 April 2017). "Budget Carrier Launches New Flights To Kenya Coast". Johannesburg: Daily Southern and East African Tourism Update. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ Skyward Express plane crash-lands in a Somali military base https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/news/skyward-express-plane-crash-lands-somali-military-base-3481010
External links
edit