The aviation sector regulator Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Wilson Airport-based air operators over the recent spate of mishaps.

The meeting, which was also attended by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) acting managing director Alex Gitari and the Kenya Association of Air Operators secretary Eutychus Waithaka took place at Wilson Airport.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) director-general Gilbert Kibe promised to provide more details about the event at a later date.

“It was just a consultative meeting with the air operators. I may not be able to discuss with you much about this meeting now,” he said.

Air operators that attended the meeting include Silverstone, Jetways, Skyward Express and Safarilink. Other operators invited were Blue Bird Aviation, Air Kenya and Dac Aviation East Africa.

At least three mishaps involving Wilson Airport-based light aircraft have been recorded in a month. The latest incident last Tuesday involved Safari Link carrying 10 passengers that veered off the runway after a tyre burst.

Last Monday, Silverstone dropped a tyre while taking off from Lodwar.

Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/KCAA-in-closed-door-meeting-with-airlines/539546-5338716-75xa61z/index.html

 

Embattled local carrier Silverstone Air has suspended operations on three of its routes including Homa Bay, which was launched just two months ago, in a move that slows down its aggressive expansion plans.

The firm confirmed to the Business Daily that the airline, which has been operating in Kenya since 2017, has not been flying to Homa Bay and has also suspended flights to Wajir and Lodwar because they were not performing well.

“The temporary suspension of scheduled flights on these routes is purely a business decision.

“However, the chartered services on these routes are still active. Maasai Mara is a seasonal route, thus scheduled flights occur during peak seasons,” Silverstone said in response to queries.

A source said the Homa Bay route had not been operational since November 2.

 “Nearly all the routes that were opened by the airline in the last few months have been suspended,” said the source who requested for anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The airline launched Lodwar flights in January 2018 and the Nairobi-Maasai Mara in July with daily return flights.

The low-cost airline started plying the Wajir route in June and Homa Bay in September as it targeted traders and tourists.

At the time, Silverstone said the Homa Bay route was launched as a result of increased demand from travellers to western Kenya and was expected to boost trade.

The Nairobi-Maasai Mara route was started in July with daily return flights, in a move expected to increase options for customers on the route that is already served by the East African Safari Air Express (formerly FlySax) and Safarilink, among other carriers.

Silverstone Air’s aircraft have been operating from Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Silverstone is reducing its frequencies at a time the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has opened an audit to determine the safety and compliance of the airline following a mid-air scare last Monday when one of its planes dropped a tyre while taking off in Lodwar.

Early this month, another one of Silverstone’s aircraft veered off the runway at Wilson Airport.

Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/companies/Silverstone-halts-flights-on-three-routes/4003102-5338472-10pdxkh/index.html

Kenya’s new Sh350 million world-class cruise ship terminal will be commissioned next month during the tourist arrivals peak season when luxury ships are expected to dock at Mombasa port.

The terminal is expected to create 300 jobs directly, boosting local industries such as the transport sector, hotels, food providers and curio sellers.

In an interview last week, Tourism and Wildlife Secretary Najib Balala, said the completion of the terminal —which is being constructed using a Sh250 million funding from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and another Sh100 million from Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA) — will give a much-needed lift to the sector’s fortunes.

Industry players are now gearing up for the cruise ship peak season which is set to bring good tidings to the country as the construction of the cruise terminal at the port currently stands at 95 percent complete.

On Sunday, the Port of Mombasa received MS Albatros, the first cruise vessel for the season carrying 446 passengers and 346 crew members. It was sailing from Zanzibar.

While in Mombasa, the tourists toured the city, Maasai Mara, Tsavo National Park and Shimba hills.

The new terminal includes duty -free shops, restaurants, conference facilities and offices for key stakeholders in the industry.

The practical handover expected to take place in the next two weeks. The completion comes in time for the cruise tourism during the festive December period.

“We are pleased to have this call from Ms Albatros; it is the first passenger cruise ship of 2019 docking at the port of Mombasa’s new world class cruise ship terminal. All tourism stakeholders should collaborate on revamping the sector for more luxury ships to call at our port,” said Inchcape Shipping Services, Operations Manager, Mr Bwanaheri Omar Lali.

According to the expert, the modern facility would, position Kenya as a passenger destination through the sea tourism and boost the sector.

The port of Mombasa is one of the busiest ports along the East African coastline providing direct connectivity to over 80 ports worldwide.

“This makes economic logic to have the terminal given that it is a critical node in increasing tourism in the region. The new terminal has modern high-roofed structures whose primary source of energy is solar. Meeting rooms and eateries increase the utility of the terminal. A bio digester that will recycle water for re-use,” a statement from the port stated.

The design of the facility has factored facilities for differently abled people to include special lifts, escalators, conveyor belts, scanners, air conditioning system and washrooms.

KPA Managing Director Daniel Manduku said completion of the terminal will boost tourism in the country.

“The KPA has prioritised cruise ships calling at the port of Mombasa due to the high impact created in the coast region by the arrival of such ships through the facility. The KPA has committed its resources to modernise cruise terminal to meet the international standards,” Mr Manduku said.

On her part, TMEA-Kenya Country Programme Manager Elizabeth Mwangi reiterated the institution’s commitment to support key economic sectors in Kenya.

“Tourism is Kenya’s second-largest source of foreign exchange revenue, holding great potential to create jobs and reduce poverty. In this regard, TMEA-Kenya has marked tourism as a key intervention area. Specifically, in Mombasa, TMEA will roll out an export capability programme on tourism to increase revenues and amplify impact on local economy,” she said.

Mr Manduku said the KPA, Kenya Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism will undertake extensive marketing abroad to raise the terminal’s appeal as an entry point for tourists to the region and Kenya.

The works on cruise terminal, which began in December 2016, was expected to be completed in August 2017, but was pushed to 2018 then later this year due to “unavoidable circumstances” with Mr Balala blaming the contractor for the delays.

In February, the sector lost estimated 2,000 tourists in cruise ships destined for Mombasa port after they were diverted following the Dusit Hotel terror attacks.

Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/shipping/Cruise-ship-terminal-to-be-launched-next-month/4003122-5338910-7fn8ky/index.html

 

Kenya Airways (KQ) is celebrating one year since making its maiden flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi to John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York on 29^th October 2018.

The Kenyan national carrier marked a milestone with the introduction of direct flights to New York City exactly a year ago, a move that was welcomed by many.

Statistics indicate that the flight has made about 594 hauls and flew at least 105, 000 passengers.

Kenya Airways CEO Mr. Sebastian Mikosz said that they have been operating daily during the peak season and five days a week during the off-peak season. The USA is one of the many top tourists’ source market.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) lauded KQ for the milestone and indicating that their clients have had great experiences on the flights.

The Scott Travel Group Managing Director Ms. Tracy Scott congratulated the airline adding that her clients are happy with the flights.

“It is great for Kenya and I can see it having a progressive positive impact on our ties and trading with the US, and on Kenya’s continued standing as a global player.  As a Brit, who feels sad about looming Brexit, I think it’s great that Kenya is forging closer ties with the US and other countries, and that Kenya Airways is pushing to expand its network in this way.” Ms. Scott said.

Mr. Patrick Kamanga, MD of Deans Travel Centre also lauded the airline. He however urged KQ to consider partnerships with other airlines in the US to allow an easier commute for travellers.

“This is the best thing that KQ ever did but unfortunately without plan, we still are unable to sell to other points in the USA. Not all Kenyans are traveling to JFK. KQ are yet to set up proper agreements with Delta or other airlines forcing us to issue two separate tickets when one wants to fly to a point outside JFK. Rate becomes too high!” he stated.

To mark this milestone, Mr. Mikosz said that they are offering a 30% discount on all their destinations.

Low-cost carrier Jambojet will start flying to Rwanda and Somalia next month with the opening of ticket sales.

The latest routes by the airline, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, will mark the second and third international destinations that the carrier flies to regionally after Entebbe.

The airline says it seeks to enable more passengers to fly affordably and reliably from its hub in Nairobi.

“Our entry into the two markets is part of our regional expansion programme and brings to three the total number of routes we operate on the continent with the exception of those we fly to on behalf of Kenya Airways,” said Jambojet chief executive officer Allan Kilavuka.

The budget airline says customers can book flights through existing distribution channels, including its website, sales offices, call centre and travel agents.

The airline will have daily flights to Kigali and Mogadishu.

The one hour Nairobi-Kigali route will begin on November 25 at 2:35PM and from Kigali at 4:15PM with a promotional fare of Sh11,240.

The Nairobi-Mogadishu route will operate from November 24, departing Nairobi at 06:00AM to arrive at 08:45. The fare will start from Sh24,470 one way.

Jambojet currently flies to five local destinations and to Entebbe, Uganda from its hub in Nairobi.

Recently, Jambojet acquired a brand new De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, a first of four that are expected this year, to boost the airline’s capacity as it eyes more regional destinations.

Our Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/companies/Jambojet-Mogadishu-Kigali-flights/4003102-5328992-f35sq3z/index.html

Australian airline Qantas has grounded one of its Boeing 737 NG planes after discovering “cracking” in one section.

The carrier said several airlines were inspecting their 737 NG fleets after Boeing revealed an area near the wing may be prone to cracking.

News agency AFP reported up to 50 planes globally had been grounded due to the issue.

Qantas said: “Even when a crack is present, it does not immediately compromise the safety of the aircraft.

“We would never operate an aircraft unless it was completely safe to do so.”

Boeing said cracks had been found in the “pickle fork” – a section of the plane which helps attach the wing.

Last month, US regulators ordered checks of all 737 NG planes which had undertaken more than 30,000 flights.

Qantas said none of its 737 NG fleet had been flown more than 30,000 times. It added the plane with a crack had made fewer than 27,000 journeys.

The issue comes after Boeing was forced to ground its newer 737 Max model in March, following two fatal crashes.

Those tragedies – in Indonesia last October, and in Ethiopia in March – killed a total of 346 people. US lawmakers accuse Boeing of building ‘flying coffins’

On Wednesday, Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg told US lawmakers the firm had made mistakes in relation to the 737 Max fleet. Legislators had accused Boeing of rushing the approval process.

The 737 NG is a precursor to the 737 Max.

Qantas said it would inspect 33 planes in its fleet for the same issue by Friday. It did not respond to a report that a crack had been found in a second plane.

The Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association, an aviation union, called for Qantas to ground its entire 737 NG fleet – a call rejected by the airline as “alarmist”.

US carrier Southwest Airlines recently discovered a crack in one of its 737 NG planes.

Our Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50244699

 

Zimbabwe’s national airline has resumed flights to South Africa, the company said on Monday, after a halt last week when South Africa’s state-run airports management firm barred the airline from using the country’s airports over unpaid fees.

Air Zimbabwe’s sole aircraft in operation was grounded last week by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which said the airline had failed to pay landing and parking fees, passenger service charges and an undisclosed amount towards clearing its arrears.

“There were negotiations that were held, and we were given clearance to take off and land on Friday. It (Air Zimbabwe’s plane) did take off for South Africa today as scheduled,” Air Zimbabwe spokesman Tafadzwa Mazonde told Reuters.

He declined to say whether Air Zimbabwe had cleared its debt or come to another arrangement, such as a part payment.

An ACSA spokeswoman was not available for comment.

Air Zimbabwe owes foreign and domestic creditors more than $300 million. The Zimbabwe government put the airline under administration last year and later invited bids from potential investors as it seeks to privatise it. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Mark Potter)

Our Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/zimbabwe-airlines/air-zimbabwe-resumes-flights-to-south-africa-after-suspension-lifted-idUSL8N27D4JB

Kenya Airways (KQ) has recruited 40 local pilots this year as part of efforts to plug a biting personnel shortage, even as the airline defended its decision to hire foreign pilots on contract.

The hiring comes despite a trade dispute with the pilots’ union which accuses the national carrier of reneging on a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

KQ told The Standard that the recruited Kenyan pilots would later take up the vacancies being currently filled with contract pilots, but they needed a minimum experience of six years.

“Our aim is clearly not to do away with Kenyan pilots as the contract pilots will only be in the service of the airline for two years after which they will be replaced by Kenyan pilots,” said the airline in a statement.

The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (Kalpa) recently suspended further CBA negotiations with the employer, in addition to filing a trade dispute seeking arbitration with the Ministry of Labour.

Kalpa felt that KQ’s decision to hire the foreign pilots on contract for its Boeing 737 fleet was a “gross violation” of its CBA.

The airline said it was in “full compliance” with the provisions of the CBA, which allows it to recruit contract pilots whenever there is a shortage.

In the statement, KQ said there was currently a deficit of 60 pilots and aimed to continue hiring locally as well as externally.

“The CBA allows the company to recruit contract pilots for route expansion, reduction of accumulated leave and to allow for training of the existing pilots,” it said.

The carrier said the average KQ pilot has over 100 days of accumulated leave with the current pilot numbers insufficient to support the route network.

KQ rejected claims of a standoff with Kalpa and said that talks would resume when the trade dispute mechanism is completed.

Our Source: standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001347058/kq-hires-40-local-pilots-amid-dispute-with-union

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) in collaboration with Amadeus East Africa, this week hosted two industry meetings in Nairobi and Mombasa, where travel agents got to know more about current updates in the industry.

On October 23^rd & 25^th 2019, the travel agents converged at the Jacaranda Hotel and Royal Court hotel respectively where they learnt more about cybersecurity and ways of protecting one’s business from cyber-attacks.

The travel agents also got to hear more about the withdrawal of Default Insurance Program (DIP) in the market after Saham refused to comply with new regulations to provide the financial facility.

Amadeus EA Managing Director Mr. Mathieu Dutrisac noted that cybercrime is rampant. “Most of the cyber hacking that takes place goes unreported. Statistically, every one in three people has been hacked,” he said.

Mr. George Munene from Simply IT, an Amadeus Partner, took the KATA members through a talk on cybersecurity awareness.

He emphasised on the need for individuals and companies to put in place safeguards that will ensure that they protect their data and don’t fall prey to cyberattacks.

“Ninety-one percent of attacks start with a phishing email. One needs to stick to the safeguards in order to protect data and information. Ensure that you have the latest software updates, learn and educate your staff on the do’s and don’ts, back up your data and become compliant,” Mr Munene said.

He pointed out that many people and companies have lost large amounts of money through cyber-attacks.

KATA Chief Executive Mr. Nicanor Sabula noted that collaboration between GDS Companies and KATA is key in fighting cybercrime in the travel industry.

Mr. Sabula and KATA Board Vice-Chair Ms Shazmin Manji also took members through the DIP impasse.

Members were informed that Saham Insurance announced that they would not be renewing DIP for the year 2020 after IATA introduced new requirements that the insurance company declined to comply with.

The withdrawal of this facility means that travel agents have less than three months to come up with a solution on financial security to ensure that the ticket sales market is not affected.

Mr. Sabula urged members to remain calm as the association works towards finding a lasting resolution.

Amadeus and Sabre — have agreed to distribute ATPCO’s Routehappy rich content into their various flight-shopping interfaces and applications serving travel agencies, OTAs, corporate booking tools and other sellers.

Robert Albert, ATPCO’s executive vice president of retailing and the founder of Routehappy, said the agreements are a mass modernization project” of the systems that connect airlines to sales channels.

“We are improving those pipes, modernizing those pipes,” he said. 

Albert founded Routehappy almost a decade ago. ATPCO acquired the company in early 2018, and talks with Amadeus and Sabre have been ongoing for many years. These agreements, he said, signal the transformation that is underway in flight shopping, giving travelers access to details about the flight experience such as entertainment, WiFi, leg room, power access, baggage allowance, cancellation policies and more.

“We are at a tipping point. We’ve been at this almost 10 years, but we feel like the industry is finally coming together,” Albert said.

“IATA has been pushing NDC (New Distribution Capability), honing it and socializing it. Airlines have gotten behind it. Then you had the GDSs committing to NDC. … Then ATPCO, with Routehappy’s help, has been developing the Next Generation Storefront together with airlines and channels, and Routehappy has been building up this repository of rich content. It’s all coming together now.” 

Through these agreements, airlines get distribution reach of their offerings that is “exponentially greater than it has been,” which adds value to their investments in creating and maintaining the content. Sellers gain easier access to that content — coming directly from the GDS, through the same APIs that already provide fares and availability.

And the ultimate beneficiaries, said Albert, will be consumers who in the next few years will get an improved flight-shopping experience that more closely resembles buying from other e-commerce sites such as Amazon or hotel brand sites, with detailed product information, photos and videos that make it easy to compare offers.

ATPCO also has integrations with Japanese GDS Infini and Chinese GDS TravelSky. When asked if it may also work with Travelport, Albert said, “My hunch is that the reason they are not here, in addition to changing ownership and changing management, is that they have some of their own rich content.

“There’s lots of conversations happening, and we’ll see what happens in the future. I don’t think it will just be Amadeus and Sabre working with us in this way,” he said.

Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/page/search/BusinessDaily/539444-539444-view-asSearch-qkxhghz/index.html