Flights to Nairobi - Kisumu from Fourth airline

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ALS Dash 8 has launched services between Kisumu and Nairobi, bringing to four the number of airlines operating that route.The airline will fly in and out of the lakeside town to Wilson Airport in the mornings and evenings daily.Each flight has capacity to carry 37 passengers. Yesterday, the schedule flights Manager Muhamed Taher hinted at the possible addition of more flights if the market proves suitable. “If we establish that the route is viable, we may introduce midday flights to enhance our domestic services,” said Mr Taher.

MPs Olago Aluoch (Kisumu West), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East) and Kisumu Airport Manager Joseph Okumu attended the launch.

Taher said the ALS Dash 8 flight was developed in the late 1970s due to increased market demand for a new generation 30-to 40-seater commuter airline.

Kenya Airways, Fly 540 and Jetlink have been the only airlines plying the route. They all fly passengers directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Yesterday, Olago appealed to the Government to reduce taxes levied on air tickets.

He said many people avoid using airlines because of the exorbitant fares caused in large measure by high taxation. “Air transport is no longer a luxury as many people use it for business. We want the Government to reduce taxes,” he said.

For instance, the Government taxes between Sh2,000 to Sh3,000 on air fares, capitalising on the willingness of travellers to pay more for better passenger experience and faster travel.

If a passenger pays Sh4,200 for fare, the tax is Sh2,000, almost double the ticket cost.Olago called on the Government to review the taxes downwards, to promote air transport and boost domestic tourism.The airline launched the flight at a time when the Kisumu airport runway had been shortened during ongoing rehabilitation and expansion.

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