Aviation

Çelebi Aviation will begin providing ground handling services to Turkish Airlines at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi starting 1 August 2026, under a new agreement that expands the company’s presence in Kenya.

The contract covers Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul–Nairobi–Istanbul flights, operating seven times a week for around 365 flights annually. Çelebi Aviation Kenya will handle passenger services, ramp operations, turnaround coordination and baggage handling, serving an estimated 75,000 to 80,000 passengers a year.

Çelebi Aviation, founded in 1958, has more than 65 years of experience across three continents and already serves carriers in Kenya including British Airways, Emirates SkyCargo, Network Airlines and Astral Aviation. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, ISAGO and GDP certifications and uses electric ground support equipment (e-GSE) as part of its sustainability program.

The deal comes as JKIA undergoes modernization aimed at raising its annual passenger capacity from 7.5 million to 22 million, strengthening Nairobi’s role as a gateway between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Atilla Korkmazoğlu, President of Ground Handling & Cargo, EMEA at Çelebi Aviation, called the partnership a milestone in the company’s growth strategy across Africa and said it reflects the trust international airlines place in Çelebi Aviation Kenya’s operations.

Fly748.com has announced a KES 3 million Diamond Sponsorship for the second edition of Run 4 Seniors, a fundraising initiative by Mama Ibado Charity (MIC) scheduled to take place on 18 July 2026 at Karura Forest in Nairobi.

The sponsorship will support the planning and execution of the annual charity run, which brings together individuals, corporates, running clubs and well-wishers to raise funds and awareness for vulnerable senior citizens in underserved communities across Kakamega and Isiolo counties.

Speaking during the partnership announcement, Fly748.com Head of Scheduled Services George Oduor said the airline is committed to supporting initiatives that promote dignity, inclusion and care for older persons.

“At Fly748.com, we believe strong communities are built on compassion, inclusion and shared responsibility. Our senior citizens have played an important role in shaping our society and deserve to age with dignity, care and support. We are honoured to partner with Mama Ibado Charity in this noble cause and invite Kenyans from all walks of life to join Run 4 Seniors and make every step count,” said Oduor.

Since its launch, Run 4 Seniors has grown into a flagship fundraising platform that raises awareness of the challenges facing older persons while mobilising resources for sustainable interventions aimed at improving their quality of life.

Mama Ibado Charity Director Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as a significant boost to the organisation’s efforts to expand support for vulnerable seniors.

“We are grateful to Fly748.com for walking this journey with us. This partnership reflects the growing recognition that older persons in our communities need consistent care, dignity and protection. The support will help us expand the reach and impact of Run 4 Seniors and continue delivering programmes that respond to the realities of seniors facing poverty, neglect and social isolation,” she said.

Funds raised through the event will support Mama Ibado Charity’s Seniors Feeding and Healthcare Programmes, which provide monthly food assistance, access to essential healthcare services, medication support and community-based care for vulnerable elderly people.

As part of the partnership, Fly748.com will also use its communication platforms to encourage public participation and raise awareness about issues affecting older persons. In addition, the airline is offering a 10 percent discount on flight tickets to participants who register for Run 4 Seniors.

Fly748.com joins a growing list of corporate partners, including KCB and Sidian Bank, supporting the second edition of Run 4 Seniors, highlighting the increasing role of public-private partnerships in improving the welfare and dignity of Kenya’s ageing population.

Fly 748.com has officially resumed scheduled flight operations, marking a significant return to Kenya’s aviation market with a renewed focus on affordability, efficiency, safety, and customer-centric service.

The airline’s re-entry comes amid rising demand for domestic air connectivity, driven by increased economic activity across counties, government travel, and a growing calendar of business, cultural, and social events nationwide.

Head of Fly 748.com, George Oduor, said the airline is leveraging its extensive experience in complex aviation environments to build a reliable and structured scheduled service.

“Our scheduled operations are anchored on disciplined scheduling, efficient turnaround processes, and strong operational oversight. The goal is simple: deliver a service that performs predictably every day,” said Oduor.

He noted that the airline’s background in humanitarian and last-mile aviation has played a key role in shaping its operational systems.

“In humanitarian aviation, you learn to manage complexity with precision, often in environments with minimal infrastructure and critical timelines. That experience has informed how we build systems focused on control, adaptability, and consistency,” he added.

The airline’s first return flights were operated from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Mombasa and Ukunda, forming the initial phase of its route network.

Oduor said the current routes will serve as an operational baseline, with plans for gradual expansion.

“From here, we will expand methodically, introducing additional frequencies, scaling capacity with larger aircraft, and extending into new domestic and regional destinations,” he said.

Ahmed Jibril, Chairman of 748 Air Services, said the airline’s return will enhance connectivity to the Coast region and support a wide range of travelers.

“We are here for the business traveller who needs to be in Mombasa in the morning and back after a productive day. We are here for families, hoteliers, tour operators, conference guests, students, government officers, entrepreneurs, and frequent flyers who want a dependable airline,” said Jibril.

He added that the airline has introduced a customer loyalty programme aimed at rewarding repeat passengers.

“Loyalty must go both ways. When passengers choose Fly 748.com consistently, we want them to benefit from that choice,” he said.

Managing Director Moses Mwangi said the airline is taking a phased approach to growth, beginning with a controlled rollout of key domestic routes.

“Phase one allows us to establish operational consistency and build a strong service foundation. From there, we will scale by increasing frequencies, optimizing fleet deployment, and introducing higher-capacity aircraft as demand grows,” said Mwangi.

He noted that the airline is also positioning itself for regional expansion, leveraging its existing footprint across Africa to unlock new connectivity opportunities.

“Even as we grow our scheduled services, our humanitarian mission, particularly in last-mile operations, will remain a defining part of our identity,” he added.

The airline is positioning itself as a key enabler of domestic tourism, trade, and regional integration, particularly in underserved and high-growth destinations.

Its relaunch comes at a time when Kenya’s travel patterns are shifting, with more passengers opting for air transport as counties open up for investment, conferences, and cultural festivals.

Oduor noted that events such as devolution conferences and regional cultural gatherings are increasingly driving passenger traffic and creating new opportunities for domestic carriers.

Fly 748.com’s refreshed service offering includes improved scheduling, streamlined booking processes, and enhanced customer experience standards aimed at restoring passenger confidence and building long-term loyalty.

“We understand the importance of time, cost, and reliability for today’s traveller. Our goal is to make air travel more accessible while maintaining the highest operational standards,” Oduor said.

Renowned Kenyan airline 748 Air Services is set to resume scheduled flight operations this May, marking its return to the domestic aviation market under its scheduled service brand Fly 748.com and signaling renewed momentum in Kenya’s regional air transport sector.

The relaunch will reconnect Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with key coastal destinations, beginning with routes linking Nairobi, Mombasa and Ukunda, as the airline seeks to strengthen domestic connectivity and improve access for business and leisure travelers.

The airline said the return follows a period of strategic operational restructuring aimed at enhancing service delivery, reinforcing safety standards and improving passenger experience. Scheduled services will be operated using De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft, commonly known as Dash 8-Q400, which are widely used for short-haul regional routes because of their efficiency and reliability.

Head of Fly 748.com, George Oduor said the airline’s re-entry into scheduled operations represents a major step in supporting domestic travel and economic activity.

“Our re-launch marks a new chapter for Fly 748.com and for domestic aviation in Kenya. We are committed to providing dependable air services that connect communities, support businesses, and contribute to the growth of tourism and regional economies,” said Oduor.

One-way fares on the initial routes will start from KES 6,500, with the airline indicating that additional destinations will be introduced progressively depending on market demand.

The carrier noted that safety remains central to its operations and confirmed it has worked closely with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to ensure full compliance with all regulatory and operational requirements ahead of the relaunch.

Fly 748.com Chairman Ahmed Jibril said the airline’s safety systems are built around prevention and continuous monitoring.

“The safety management system we have in place is robust and predictive, not reactive. Achieving BARS Gold Status, an accreditation by the Flight Safety Foundation, demonstrates our unwavering focus on safety, quality and reliability,” he said.

The airline is accredited under the Basic Aviation Risk Standard Gold Status, a globally recognized certification issued through the Flight Safety Foundation.

In addition to operational expansion, the airline said it is strengthening its environmental sustainability agenda through an Environmental Management System introduced in 2022 to reduce carbon emissions, prevent pollution and promote responsible aviation practices.

“We conduct thorough assessments of our carbon emissions and are implementing targeted strategies to reduce our environmental impact, contributing to global climate action efforts,” said Oduor.

Passengers will be able to book flights through the airline’s website, authorized travel agents and ticketing offices nationwide.

The airline’s return is expected to inject fresh competition into Kenya’s domestic aviation sector while improving travel convenience across major regional routes

Phungela, a leading African digital transformation company, has announced a strategic partnership with global airport operations technology provider AeroCloud.

The collaboration positions Phungela as the key local partner supporting the rollout of modern, cloud-native airport solutions across the African continent.

The partnership aims to transform Africa’s aviation digital infrastructure by combining Phungela’s regional expertise with AeroCloud’s proven cloud-native airport operations platform.

AeroCloud currently supports more than 80 airports worldwide, is used by over 78 airlines, and underpins airport environments handling approximately 360 million passengers annually.

Through this collaboration, African airports will be able to transition from outdated legacy systems to agile, data-driven, and predictive operating models. The shift is expected to improve efficiency, enhance passenger flow, strengthen operational resilience, and unlock additional capacity, all without the need for major new infrastructure investments.

Under the agreement, Phungela will spearhead local market engagement, implementation, service delivery, and ongoing support for airports across Africa. AeroCloud will provide its cloud-native hardware and software platform, designed to optimize airport operations and enable real-time decision-making.

Together, the companies aim to deliver end-to-end digital transformation that enhances coordination across airport stakeholders and supports smarter, more informed operational decisions.

Nkululeko Mhlaba, Chief Executive Officer at Phungela, said, “Our partnership with AeroCloud positions Phungela at the forefront of aviation digital transformation in Africa. Airports are critical economic gateways, and the ability to operate efficiently and at scale is no longer optional. This collaboration is about building long-term capability and delivering real operational impact on the ground.”

AeroCloud’s platform supports key airport operational functions, including stand and gate management, passenger flow optimization, and real-time operational decision-making. This enables airport teams to unlock capacity and improve performance without significant capital expenditure.

George Richardson, CEO and Co-Founder of AeroCloud, said, “Partnering with Phungela is a natural and important step in our global growth journey. Airports need not just innovative technology but also trusted local partners who understand their operating environment. Phungela brings deep regional insight, strong delivery capability, and a clear vision for digital transformation across Africa’s aviation sector. Together, we are well-positioned to help airport operators move toward more modern, connected, and resilient operations.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in local capability, building long-term relationships with airport stakeholders, and supporting the continued growth and connectivity of Africa’s aviation sector.

Together, Phungela and AeroCloud are set to enable African airports to deliver more efficient, passenger-centric, and future-ready operations.

Qatar Airways has surpassed a major milestone in its ambitious Starlink rollout programme, equipping more than 100 widebody aircraft with the high-speed satellite internet service.

The carrier currently operating the largest Starlink-enabled widebody fleet globally has moved ahead of schedule, marking one of the fastest deployment timelines seen in aviation.

More than half of Qatar Airways’ widebody fleet is now Starlink-connected. The airline, named the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2025 for a record ninth time, has already operated over 30,000 flights with uninterrupted, high-speed, gate-to-gate* Wi-Fi.

The rapid rollout further establishes Qatar Airways as the only airline in the MENA region offering Starlink, and a global leader in ultra-fast in-flight connectivity for long-haul and ultra-long-haul travel.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the accelerated rollout reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering immediate value to passengers.

“Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry by setting new benchmarks with action, not just intent. We have expedited our Starlink rollout, which is now advancing ahead of schedule as Qatar Airways brings the best travel experience to our passengers as an immediate priority, not a future ambition,” he said.

“Equipping over 100 widebody aircraft since the launch of our first Starlink-equipped flight in October 2024 reflects this commitment. We now operate up to 200 daily Starlink-connected flights to key destinations to ensure our passengers stay seamlessly connected with speeds faster than many home Wi-Fi services. Whether working, streaming movies and sports, or staying in touch with friends and family, staying connected at 35,000 feet has never been more convenient.”

The airline has completed Starlink installations across its Boeing 777 fleet and is fast approaching completion on its Airbus A350 programme—both ahead of industry precedent. As rollout continues, the ultra-fast service is now available on flights across six continents, covering most of Qatar Airways’ destinations in the Americas and Australia, as well as major routes in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Passengers in all cabins enjoy free, high-speed, gate-to-gate* connectivity capable of supporting streaming, gaming, video calls and remote work, transforming the digital inflight experience for both business and leisure travellers.

Qatar Airways remains the only carrier in the Middle East and North Africa to offer Starlink onboard, reinforcing its position as a global leader in aviation innovation, reliability, and customer experience.

Gate-to-gate access may be unavailable at certain airports due to local regulatory requirements.

Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas has officially launched its inaugural flight from Nairobi to Riyadh, marking a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity, trade, and tourism between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.

The new service, which will operate three times a week via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), is expected to bolster bilateral relations and create new avenues for business and cultural exchange.

Speaking during the launch event at JKIA, Mr. Walter Agong, Operations Manager representing the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Ag. Managing Director, congratulated Flynas on the milestone and reaffirmed KAA’s commitment to supporting the airline’s operations.

“We are delighted to welcome Flynas to Nairobi. This new route strengthens connectivity between Kenya and Saudi Arabia and supports our mission to make JKIA a preferred aviation hub in the region,” said Agong.

Also present was H.E. Khalid Saeed Al Zahrani, Deputy Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Kenya, who praised the initiative as a reflection of the growing cooperation between the two nations.

“This connection will not only promote trade and investment but also deepen cultural and religious ties, including travel for Umrah and Hajj,” he noted.

The direct Nairobi–Riyadh route significantly reduces travel time, offering Kenyan travelers a more convenient link to Saudi Arabia’s capital and one of the Middle East’s most dynamic economic centers.

KAA reiterated its readiness to support airline growth through world-class facilities and services, emphasizing that Flynas’ entry reinforces Nairobi’s status as a strategic regional aviation and business hub.

The launch forms part of Flynas’ broader expansion strategy in Africa, as the airline seeks to tap into the continent’s fast-growing travel market. With demand rising for affordable and efficient air travel between Africa and the Middle East, Flynas aims to position itself as a key player connecting emerging markets.

Industry observers expect the Riyadh–Nairobi route to drive both tourism and trade flows, enhance investment opportunities, and contribute to stronger people-to-people relations between the two countries.