By Dennis Gichuiri
Kenyan airline iFly Air is planning to expand its fleet and increase its reach across Africa as it positions itself for growth in the competitive aviation industry.
Speaking during an industry event, iFly Air Marketing Manager Esther Wanjiru Gatimu said the airline has grown significantly in its four years of scheduled operations and is now looking to expand its aircraft fleet.
Gatimu said iFly Air currently operates the Fokker 70 and plans to acquire more propeller aircraft and smaller jet engines as it seeks to expand both its scheduled flights and Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) operations.
The expansion is expected to enable the airline to increase its reach across Africa and eventually compete with major regional carriers.
“We are hoping to expand and get more propellers,” Gatimu said, adding that the airline wants to move beyond ACMI leasing and operate more scheduled flights across the continent.
iFly Air expands operations
Gatimu said iFly Air has secured its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and currently operates scheduled flights to Wajir, Mogadishu and Juba.
The airline also provides ACMI charter services in different African countries and operates an Air Maintenance Organisation that provides aircraft maintenance services.
She said the airline’s young workforce has played a key role in its growth and expansion.
“We are looking forward to expanding the airline to greater heights,” she said.
Gatimu said iFly Air has operated flights to North Eastern Kenya successfully for four years, helping connect the region with other parts of the country.
She cited the recent Madaraka Day celebrations held in Wajir as an example of how air connectivity can help promote tourism and change perceptions about destinations in the region.
The airline was involved in transporting passengers to the county for the national celebrations.
High fuel prices push up fares
Gatimu, however, said the aviation industry continues to face significant challenges, particularly high fuel prices.
She said elevated fuel costs over the past three months had put pressure on airlines and contributed to higher airfares.
“Obviously, our citizens’ pockets are suffering, but we are trying our best to manage and create a balance between running our operations and also satisfying our clients,” she said.
The airline is also facing challenges in sourcing aircraft maintenance materials, with Gatimu citing taxation on spare parts as another concern affecting operators.
She said the Kenya Association of Airline Operators has been engaging the government in efforts to find a balance that would support airlines while keeping air travel affordable for passengers.
Call for easier African travel
Gatimu also called for greater cooperation among African airlines and governments to make air travel within the continent more affordable and accessible.
She said airfares between African countries can be significantly higher than flights from Africa to destinations such as London.
According to her, African countries should work together to lower the cost of regional air travel and remove barriers that make movement across the continent difficult.
She also called for easier visa and immigration processes for African travellers.
Gatimu said African citizens should have simpler immigration procedures when travelling within the continent.
“If I’m an African, in fact, we should have a line for all Africans at the immigration stop in every single country in Africa,” she said.
She argued that stronger cooperation among African aviation players would help reduce travel costs, support airlines and make it easier for Africans to do business and travel across the continent.
