Local airlines launch new flights

Airlines are targeting niche destinations in a bid to grow their market share as the tourism sector shows signs of recovery.Diani, in the South Coast, has become an attractive destination with both SafariLink and Air Kenya investing flights to the coastal resort town.

Both airlines have unveiled flights from Nairobi directly to the South Coast in a bid to service both its affluent residents as well as the steady flow of domestic and international tourists to the region.It is convenient to fly out directly instead of boarding a ferry to cross the channel to Mombasa first, said Mr John Buckley, the managing director of SafariLink Aviation.


South Coast is served by an airstrip in Diani Beach. Travel to this region has hitherto been mainly by road and ferry. Most air travellers arrive at Mombasa International Airport and have to rely on the Likoni ferry to cross from Mombasa to the South Coast.

Direct flights are expected to save passengers time as well as the agony of boarding the aged Likoni ferries that have been known to stall on occasion.AirKenya was the first to venture into direct flights to Diani, with flights beginning mid June. SafariLink launched its services last month.

Safarilink, which has had to hire small planes to supplement its existing fleet in order to operate the route, expects to make returns on its investment in the route in the next 18 months. The airline uses Dash 8 aircraft with a capacity of 37 passengers.In a bid to avoid cutthroat competition the two airlines have reached an agreement on a varied flight schedule, although they are independent companies.

AirKenya will service the 70 minute route in the morning while Safarilink will take over in the afternoon.Diani Beach is a popular destination in the country with over 100 accommodation units. Investment in the region continues to grow and new units are expected to come up in the near future.Swahili Beach Resort is expected to open its doors by April next year just in time to tap into the high tourism season.

According to the general manager of the resort, Mr James Wilson, the construction of the five star hotel is on schedule and it is currently being wired for Internet access as well as having a water treatment plantinstalled.