Overview: AirKenya’s Bush Aviation Expertise
AirKenya Express is renowned for connecting Nairobi’s Wilson Airport with Kenya’s premier safari destinations and key regional airports in Tanzania and Uganda. The fleet is carefully chosen for its ability to serve rough bush airstrips, short-haul routes, and group or private charters—making AirKenya a top choice for safari travelers and conservationists.
The AirKenya Fleet: Aircraft Types & Capabilities
Bombardier DHC 8-202 (Dash 8)
- Type: Twin-engine turboprop
- Capacity: Typically 37–39 passengers
- Features:
- Pressurized cabin for a smoother, more comfortable ride, even at higher altitudes
- Efficient for both bush and city routes—often used for flights to Masai Mara, Kisumu, and Entebbe
- Modern avionics and safety features
Best For: High-demand routes, regional flights, and travelers seeking a quieter, more spacious cabin.
De Havilland Canada Dash 7-100
- Type: Four-engine turboprop (unique in East Africa)
- Capacity: Up to 50 passengers
- Features:
- Renowned for its exceptional Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capability
- Able to operate from the shortest, roughest bush strips where other commercial planes can’t
- Large windows for excellent viewing—perfect for safari enthusiasts
Best For: Large groups, rugged bush airstrips, and routes with limited or unimproved runways.
De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter
- Type: Twin-engine turboprop
- Capacity: 16–19 passengers
- Features:
- Legendary for its ruggedness and reliability
- Operates comfortably from grass, gravel, and dirt strips deep in the bush
- High wings and large windows—superb for scenic flying
Best For: Bush camps, remote safari lodges, and flexible charter itineraries.
Cessna Grand Caravan C208B
- Type: Single-engine turboprop
- Capacity: 11–12 passengers
- Features:
- The workhorse of African bush flying
- Excellent for low-volume routes, private charters, and flying into tight, off-the-beaten-track airstrips
- Designed for durability and operational simplicity
Best For: Individual travelers, family groups, or camps with private landing strips.
Why This Fleet Stands Out
- Bush-Ready: Every AirKenya aircraft is designed for short-field takeoff/landing, essential for Kenya’s rugged national parks and reserves.
- Group & Charter Flexibility: From 11-seat Caravans to 50-seat Dash 7s, AirKenya covers solo, family, and large group needs.
- Scenic Views: All aircraft offer high wings and large windows, turning the journey itself into a flying safari.
- Safety & Comfort: Pressurized cabins (Dash 8/7), regular in-house maintenance, and highly experienced pilots ensure safe and pleasant flights.
Maintenance, Safety, and Reliability
AirKenya maintains its aircraft to international and Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority standards, with dedicated engineering teams and frequent safety audits. Pilots undergo ongoing training specific to bush flying conditions, including STOL procedures and wildlife avoidance.
Where AirKenya’s Fleet Can Take You
- Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Meru, Loisaba, Lewa, Nanyuki, Kisumu, and more.
- Uganda: Via Aerolink for flights to Entebbe and major Ugandan parks.
- Tanzania: Regional Air Services for Arusha, Serengeti, and other top safari sites.
Regional Integration
AirKenya is part of the AeroLink group, with seamless connections to sister airlines in Tanzania (Regional Air Services) and Uganda (Aerolink Uganda)—allowing travelers to book regional circuits on one ticket and enjoy coordinated schedules.
AirKenya’s Fleet vs Others
Here’s a comparison table of AirKenya’s fleet versus other top safari airlines in Kenya:
| Airline | Main Aircraft Types | Passenger Capacity | Fleet Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirKenya | Dash 8-202, Dash 7-100, Twin Otter DHC-6-300, Cessna Grand Caravan C208B | 11–50 | Unmatched Short Takeoff & Landing (STOL), broad group/family sizes, rugged bush readiness | Adventurous safaris, group travel, remote airstrips |
| Safarilink | Dash 8-106/315/202, Cessna Grand Caravan | 12–52 | Modern cabins, wide safari and coastal network, scheduled reliability | Scheduled safaris, family/group scheduled flights |
| Governors’ Aviation | Cessna Grand Caravan, Cessna 206 | 5–12 | Personalized, boutique charters, high-end Mara service | Luxury/private charters, direct camp service |
| Fly ALS | Dash 8, Cessna Caravan, Beech 1900, Fokker 50, Embraer 120 | 10–50+ | Most diverse/large fleet, strong in logistics & humanitarian operations as well as tourism | Charters, logistics, group or contract operations |
Key Takeaways
- AirKenya stands out for bush access, especially with Dash 7 and Twin Otter for challenging airstrips.
- Safarilink excels at comfort, reliability, and frequency on popular safari and coast routes.
- Governors’ Aviation is ideal for exclusive, high-end Mara lodge transfers.
- Fly ALS offers unmatched fleet size and versatility across tourism, business, and humanitarian flights.