Jambojet, the low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways, has announced an ambitious plan to triple its fleet and open new routes to West and Southern Africa over the next five years. This expansion is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, boost passenger numbers, and stimulate tourism growth across the continent.
The airline’s strategy is driven by the rising demand for affordable regional travel. After establishing strong performance on domestic routes such as Nairobi–Mombasa and Nairobi–Kisumu, Jambojet is now looking beyond Kenya’s borders. By adding more aircraft—growing its fleet to 11 planes by 2026 and 16 by 2029—the airline aims to serve more destinations and increase flight frequencies, making air travel more convenient and budget-friendly for both local and international travellers.
This expansion will play an important role in supporting tourism across East, West, and Southern Africa. More affordable flights will encourage cross-border travel, allowing visitors to explore destinations that have previously been underserved by air links. As connectivity improves, tourists will be able to access a wider range of cultural sites, natural attractions, and emerging markets across the continent. This increased movement of travellers is expected to benefit local economies, supporting businesses, hotels, transport providers, and tourism services that rely on visitor spending.
Jambojet’s growth will also support sustainable tourism. By leasing aircraft, the airline is able to scale responsibly while keeping costs low, offering travellers an environmentally friendlier alternative to long road trips—the most common option in many African regions. Affordable flights make tourism more accessible, allowing more people to explore the continent without the financial burden of high airfares.
Improved air links between East, West, and Southern Africa will bring wider benefits beyond tourism. Stronger regional connectivity encourages cultural exchange, business travel, and economic cooperation. With new direct routes and seamless connections, travellers will find it easier to explore multiple African destinations in a single trip, contributing to a more integrated continental travel network.
As Jambojet expands its footprint, it will also open opportunities in smaller towns and emerging tourism regions that have long been overlooked. Affordable access to these areas will help diversify tourism offerings and support regional development, especially in countries where tourism plays a central role in the economy.
Over the next five years, Jambojet expects its expansion to drive passenger growth of around 12% annually. With a larger fleet and longer routes, the airline is positioned to become a key player in Africa’s aviation market, helping to make travel more accessible and spreading the economic benefits of tourism more widely across the continent. Through its focus on affordability, sustainability, and regional connectivity, Jambojet is set to play a major role in shaping the future of African travel and tourism.
Source : Travelandtourworld.com
