Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commended Skyward Express for launching their inaugural flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Mombasa, emphasising the significant impact it will have on enhancing both international and domestic connectivity.
Mr Murkomen highlighted that this connectivity will enhance trade, travel and economic growth which lies under the government’s commitment to ensuring a favourable business environment to enable firms to grow and create more jobs.
He further praised Skyward Express for their unwavering support to expanding air travel options within the country.
The CS particularly lauded the airline for their groundbreaking initiative to launch the Nairobi- Kakamega and Nairobi – Migori routes which significantly brought commercial air transport for the first time to the western region.
Speaking at the Moi international Airport during the landing of the first plane to use the JKIA- Mombasa route, the CS noted that through the new aviation policy, the government will ensure that many companies get the opportunity for business in the country.
“We recognise that many would like to see major foreign companies come here and we are also willing to open up to that to assist in our tourism sector, however we will conduct that with caution to ensure that we do not overshadow our local companies,” Murkomen said.
He added that this underscores a commitment to balanced economic development and the nurturing of local enterprises alongside facilitating foreign investment and tourism.
Mohammed Abdi, Chairman of Skyward Express, conveyed his gratitude for the endless support extended to the company by the Government, travel agencies, and their loyal customers.
He emphasized that this support has played a pivotal role in realising the long-held aspiration of launching the JKIA-Mombasa route.
“Travel between Mombasa and Nairobi, the largest sea port and the capital city will always be a critical link. Skyward has for seven years operated daily flights to Mombasa from Wilson Airport and continues to invest in this route,” Abdi said.
He added that the company is committed to provide world class travel in Kenya and that going forward, through the new Skyward Jet Service they shall now offer reduced flight times and greater comfort for their passengers.
“For skyward to invest in this route is a vote of confidence in the economies of Mombasa and Nairobi and of Kenya as a whole. We believe operating this route will see success and the demand levels will continue to grow, and this initiative symbolises our commitment to serve that demand for local, international, business and leisure,” he said.
In attendance to welcome the Skyward inaugural flight from JKIA to Mombasa was the area Member of Parliament Omar Mwinyi, Representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board, and Kenya Coast Tourism Association.
By Fatma Said
