Rising number of first-time travellers boosts airline industry recovery

According to the airline, the pent-up demand for air travel since the government eased COVID-19 restrictions, is helping the sector to manage higher operating costs caused by increased fuel prices, inflation, a higher tax on spare parts and fluctuating foreign exchange rates.

Fly 748 Managing Director Moses Mwangi said more and more people are taking advantage of airfare discounts and bundled travel accommodation packages to fulfil a long-held desire, especially for first-time travellers.

“More people are taking to the sky compared to two years ago when we were at the height of the pandemic. The sector is returning to pre-pandemic levels and operators are cutting losses on their way to full recovery,” said Mwangi.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts net losses in Africa’s Aviation sector to be 0.7 billion dollars in 2022 on rising passenger numbers- Demand (RPKs) is expected to reach 72 percent of pre-crisis (2019) levels, and capacity to reach 75.2 percent.

A sustained efficiency in operations, a track record of safety, reliability and an overall strategy of demystifying flying in Kenya through competitively priced airfares have resonated with Kenyans such that Fly 748 has been nominated as one of the best domestic airline of the year by the Africa Mashariki Transport Awards (AMT). 

“We are impressed by the growing number of first-time travellers and those who are building a strong loyalty to this brand, an affirmation of our efforts to revolutionise air travel in the country,” said Fly 748 Chairman, Ahmed Jibril.