Kenya’s Jambojet outlines expansion plans

The aviation industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic, facing unprecedented challenges and disruptions. Karanja Ndegwa, the Acting Managing Director of Jambojet, recently shed light on the impact of the pandemic on the airline's operations and outlined their expansion plans and strategies for recovery in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Jambojet, like many airlines, faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with operations coming to a halt from April to July due to travel restrictions. The grounding of aircraft and reduced demand led to lost revenue and increased costs. Despite reopening, the airline continued to experience depressed demand, especially with the majority of their traffic being domestic. Ndegwa explained that they struggled to utilize their full capacity of six aircraft, operating at only half their capacity at present. In response to the crisis, Jambojet adapted by implementing new strategies to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. Ndegwa highlighted the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of customers and staff by implementing stringent protocols. Additionally, the airline shifted its focus from solely promoting Jambojet as a product to collaborating with various stakeholders in marketing destination packages. The 'Naturave' campaign was introduced to promote not just flights but also tourist destinations, hotels, and county attractions, aiming to stimulate travel demand and boost passenger numbers. Looking forward, Ndegwa discussed Jambojet's ambitious plans to establish Mombasa as a hub, leveraging the city's strategic location and tourism appeal. By increasing flight frequencies to and from Mombasa and expanding routes to other coastal destinations, the airline aims to capture a larger market share and facilitate easier travel for passengers. Ndegwa emphasized the growth potential of the Mombasa market, projecting a 20-30% annual increase in passenger numbers over the next few years, aiming to surpass the pre-pandemic levels. Despite the current focus on domestic travel due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Jambojet has its sights set on international tourism markets, particularly targeting the East African region. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, the airline plans to expand its reach to neighboring countries and traditional international tourist markets, such as Europe, America, and China. In conclusion, Jambojet's resilience and innovative strategies in the face of adversity demonstrate their commitment to not only surviving the challenges posed by the pandemic but also thriving in the future. By adapting to new realities, prioritizing safety, and expanding their market reach, Jambojet is paving the way for a successful recovery in the post-COVID aviation landscape.