New low cost Airline Fly540
Coastweek - - Fly540 - a new low cost air line - will introduce flights between Nairobi and Mombasa from November 24th. There will be a choice of four fares offering different levels of flexibility. Return fares begin with a pay and go starter fare of 5,540 Shillings for adults. Initially there will be two return services each day leaving Nairobi at 12.40 p.m and 5.40 p.m. The return flights will depart from Mombasa at 2.40 p.m. and 7.40 p.m. In December Fly540 will provide a third daily return flight between Nairobi and Mombasa leaving Nairobi at 8.40 a.m. and returning from Mombasa at 10.40 a.m.
A daily service is planned for the Nairobi Malindi and Lamu route and details will be announced towards the end of November.
Tickets are available from travel agents and the Fly540 offices at ABC Place.
Full information on fares and services can be obtained from the website fly540.com and passengers can book flights online.
The airline will operate its domestic services from Unit 3 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where there are Fly540 check in counters and an office.
The timing of the launch of Fly540 will help both Kenyans and overseas visitors with their travel arrangements during the peak holiday season.
To meet the growing demand for domestic and regional travel the Airline's expansion plan includes the introduction of international services in the first quarter of 2007.
These will operate from Terminal 1 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Two modern turbo prop ATR 42-320 aircraft with seats for 48 passengers have been purchased to meet the present requirements of Fly540.
The ATR 42-320 is equipped with Pratt and Whitney engines and is highly rated for reliability, comfort, speed and economical operating costs.
Two additional ATR aircraft will join the fleet next year to provide the necessary passenger and cargo capacity for expansion.
Lonrho has acquired 49 per cent of the issued shared capital of Five Forty Aviation Limited for 1.5 million Dollars.
David Lenigas, Lonrho's Joint Executive Chairman and Chief Executive, has been granted board representation and is the chairman of the Company.
Fly540's Chief Executive is Don Smith and Neil Steffen, a former British Airways Regional Manager, is the Chief Operating Officer.
The post of Operations Director is held by Nixon Ooko who worked for 25 years in British Airways and held senior positions in both Kenya and South Africa.
Recognizing the need for a low cost carrier to meet the demand for value for money travel, the experienced management team commenced planning the inception of Fly540 in 2005.
Talking about the prospects for the Airline, Neil Steffen said:
"Kenya is the ideal base for our airline as the strong economy is driving escalating demand for domestic and regional air travel. Nairobi is the most appropriate and best hub for services in East Africa and the region and we are optimistic about the steady expansion of Fly540.
Fly540 will provide a friendly and reliable service for cost conscious passengers. Our digital style name is trendy and passengers will have access to the information they require from our website fly540.com. In addition they will be able to book flights on line. This links with our slogan "Simplifly" and our aim to make travel as easy and pleasant as possible."
Nixon Ooko, the Operations Director, added:
"We have chosen a cheerful attention grabbing orange colour for Fly540. This has been used for our staff uniforms and the exterior of aircraft and features in the passenger cabin. Our orange colour radiates happiness and symbolises the warm and friendly service which awaits passengers at check in and during our flights."
