Jambojet launches campaign targeting first time flyers

Since the introduction of low cost flying in Kenya a one and a half year ago, air travel has become accessible to more Kenyans and is no longer considered a preserve of the rich. As such, more Kenyans are opting to fly rather than travel by road or rail especially over long distances.

Encouraged by this trend, Jambojet, the first low cost airline in Kenya, has launched a campaign targeting first time fliers. The main goal of the campaign dubbed ‘Invitation to Fly’ is to demystify flying while highlighting the benefits, especially of low cost air travel, over traditional means of transport such as road or rail.

The campaign which will include advertising , will rely heavily on testimonials of first time flyers, encouraging them to share their personal experiences on how flying has changed their lives. Most first-time flyers are ordinary Kenyans including traders, tourists, students and government, civil society and private sector employees.

The airline will also use the campaign to create better understanding of how the low cost flying concept works so that first time and repeat customers are able to better plan their travel schedules. 

Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius says that since the airline launched operations in April last year, the number of passengers has been gradually increasing. “We have seen strong uptake of low cost flying in Kenya. However, many Kenyans are yet to appreciate how the low cost flying concept works. With this campaign, we are aiming to not only demystify flying but also create better understanding of how lost cost flying works,” said Hondius. 

Although flying is generally considered a faster and safer means of travel, it is however beyond the reach of the majority who would want to fly but cannot owing to high cost of tickets. Low cost airlines like Jambojet seek to address this need by eliminating the frills normally offered on flights such as food and drinks so as to keep the cost of air tickets low.

A bus ride between Nairobi and Mombasa normally takes eight hours and costs an average Ksh2500. A flight over the same distance takes  one hour with Jambojet charging a minimum fare of Ksh3,450 per ticket one way depending on how early one books their flight. 

“The value proposition of low cost flying is there for all to see. Flying cuts travel time especially when one plans their travel in advance which is what we are encouraging Kenyans to embrace so as to enjoy the thrill, affordability and convenience of flying,” Hondius explained.