AirKenya once again voted Kenya's Leading Domestic Safari Carrier!
What a celebration it was at the World Travel Awards held in Dar es Salaam on 28th June, when AirKenya was officially declared Kenya's Leading Domestic Safari Carrier 2025. This remarkable achievement marks the fourth time we have been honored with this prestigious award, a journey that began when we were the pioneer winners of the category in 2013.
Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards presenting the award to John Kimondo, current Group CEO (then Chief Finance Officer), AirKenya in 2013
Amid the celebration, we recognize that we couldn't have reached here without the trust and support of you, our valued partners and customers. This consistent recognition reaffirms our position as the leader in safari aviation. We are humbled by the enduring trust and confidence you have placed in us through the years.
At AirKenya, we are continuously re-writing the definition of luxury safari travel, putting our customers’ comfort and safety at the core of our operations. From our exclusive Departure lounge to our exclusive Arrivals terminal at Wilson Airport, the continual expansion of our fleet with bigger, faster, more comfortable Dash 8 aircraft and the warm welcome from our professionally trained teams, we aim to ensure your flight experience adds to the precious safari memories that will last a lifetime.
This award serves to strengthen our resolve to continually enhance our service delivery together with our subsidiaries Regional Air in Tanzania and Aerolink in Uganda, offering seamless travel across premier safari destinations in East Africa.
We extend our sincerest gratitude for your continued loyalty and support.
AirKenya Management
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Dash 8 which took place yesterday, the 28th April 2025. This addition to our fleet is a Bombardier Dash 8-200 aircraft, 202 model and will bear the registration 5Y-DBA. She will soon don the distinctive AirKenya stripes that have come to be known as a hallmark of quality service in the safari industry and is expected to be put into service in June this year.
The 37-seater aircraft, brings the number of Dash 8’s in the AirKenya fleet to three and this is the second delivery of its type within the space of two years. The modern pressurized aircraft marks an improvement to the passenger journey due to its bigger cabin size, faster flying speed, quieter engines, comfortable seating arrangement and onboard washroom facility.
“The arrival of this Dash 8 is a testament to our dedication to improving the customer experience for our valued passengers. From the time you check-in, to the time you reach your destination, we want to ensure that you have a pleasant experience all the way. That is the reason we are continuously improving our services and facilities such as our check-in lounge and arrivals terminal and upgrading our fleet to be able to meet and exceed customer expectations.” John Kimondo, Group CEO AirKenya Group
Together with our subsidiary airlines, Regional Air Services in Tanzania and AeroLink in Uganda, we are delighted to take you to the world-famous game reserves and national parks such as the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for unforgettable safari holidays in East Africa.
We look forward to welcoming you onboard.
AirKenya Management
AirKenya’s new Arrivals Terminal is now operational
In our continuous pursuit to always offer the best travel experience, we are excited to announce that our new and exclusive Arrivals Terminal at Wilson Airport is now open and operational. The terminal features a spacious baggage retrieval area and washrooms, ensuring a seamless, stress-free conclusion to your safari. In conjunction with our state-of-the-art private Passenger Departure Lounge, AirKenya offers the ultimate in luxury safari travel.
Warm greetings from Airkenya Express!
We would like to thank you for continuing to choose AirKenya as your travel partner. Our commitment to make your travel an enjoyable experience remains firm. As we continue with a promising year, we have some news to share with you.
AirKenya Announces John Kimondo as the incoming Chief Executive Officer
Nairobi, Kenya – 8th April 2024
The Board of Directors has designated Mr John Kimondo as the next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Captain Dino Bisleti, who will be taking on the duties of Technical Director until the end of 2025, thereafter staying on the Board as Non Executive Director. This transition in leadership is slated for 1st November 2024.
Captain Dino Bisleti has steered AirKenya for over 15 years, elevating the airline to unprecedented success in regional aviation. Under his guidance, AirKenya has established itself as a frontrunner in the industry, renowned for its commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. By assuming the function of Technical Director, Captain Dino will continue to share his vast knowledge and experience to propel the airline forward, while working in close collaboration with John.
John Kimondo, who is the current Group Commercial Director, steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer following an extensive career with the AirKenya group, during which he has been instrumental in navigating the airline through some of its most challenging times, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. His invaluable contribution during these "unprecedented times" has not only seen AirKenya maintain operational resilience but also achieve significant milestones that have led to the airline's current strong position.
With a deep understanding of the aviation industry and a clear vision for the future, John Kimondo is uniquely qualified to lead the AirKenya group into its next chapter. His track record of strategic foresight and operational excellence aligns with AirKenya's goals of expansion and innovation, while continuing to offer unparalleled service to our passengers.
The AirKenya group extends its profound gratitude to Captain Dino Bisleti for his remarkable service and accomplishments. We are immensely thankful for his leadership, which has indelibly shaped the airline's success over the years. As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome John Kimondo, as he takes the controls to navigate the skies ahead in enhancing our service delivery and expanding our reach.
About the AirKenya Group
AirKenya Express Limited is a registered airline in Kenya with its base at Wilson Airport, Nairobi. AirKenya operates to all the major game reserves and national parks in East Africa, together with its subsidiaries, AeroLink in Uganda and Regional Air Services in Tanzania, offering both scheduled flights and charter services. Destinations in Kenya include, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Nanyuki, Samburu, Meru National Park, Loisaba and Lewa Downs. Connections from the Maasai Mara to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and other national parks in Uganda are done in coordination with AeroLink and connections from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti and onward to Zanzibar are done with Regional Air Services.
AirKenya is excited to announce the delivery of an additional Dash 8-202 in December 2023. The 37-seater aircraft is undergoing refurbishment to update its livery and interior in line with the AirKenya brand and will be ready for service in time for the busy high season period. This aircraft, renowned for its speed, comfort, and efficiency, will elevate your travel experience, connecting you to your destinations like never before. The quieter fuel-efficient engines portray our continuous commitment to sustainable operations in aviation. This aircraft is Air Kenya’s second Dash 8, growing our fleet size to 9 comprising the 2 Dash 8’s, 2 Dash 7’s, 3 Twin Otters, and 2 Caravans.
Click to Watch How We Welcomed the New Aircraft
Starting on January 1st, 2023, AirKenya is dedicated to making sure all our flights depart and arrive on time. To help us achieve this, we will be closing the check-in counter at Wilson Airport 30 minutes before the published departure time. To ensure that your passengers can check in on time, we ask that they arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before their flight.
"With AirKenya, Your Safari Experience Begins At The Airport!"
We have finally opened our newly-refurbished passenger lounge.
The exclusive lounge boasts three levels which offer ample comfortable seating space, with the upper lounge providing a spectacular view of Wilson Airport set against a backdrop of the Ngong Hills in the distance.
Over the last few months, fuel price has gone up by approximately 50%. Airkenya has been absorbing the increment hoping that the trend would reverse. With the happenings in Europe, this seems unlikely. Hence, we have no choice but to share some of the increment with our passengers.
Nanyuki is the epitome of safari paradise, surrounded by premium safari destinations – Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Solio Ranch, Mt Kenya, and the Aberdare Ranges.
We are excited to start off the month of love with some good news. We shall resume our Migori-Tarime service on 10th February 2022 following the green light by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Our Maasai Mara to Serengeti service will effectively resume the same day.