Jambojet Safety Record

Jambojet, Kenya’s premier low-cost carrier, maintains a commendable safety record, underscored by adherence to rigorous international standards. The airline, which operates a modern fleet of De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft, has been proactive in managing safety incidents, as evidenced by its transparent handling of occurrences like bird strikes.

JamboJet Safety Record Incindences:

In January 2020, a Jambojet flight experienced a bird strike during approach to Kisumu but landed safely, with only a minor passenger injury reported and addressed promptly.

Similarly, in December 2019, another bird strike led to a diversion to Mombasa, where the aircraft landed without incident. These events, while notable, are managed with professionalism, reflecting Jambojet’s robust safety protocols and commitment to passenger security.

Jambo DH8D at Kisumu on Jan 31st, 2020

On January 31, 2020, Jambojet flight JM-8656 from Nairobi to Kisumu, operated by a De Havilland Dash 8-400 (registration 5Y-JXH), encountered a bird strike while on approach to Kisumu International Airport. The aircraft landed safely despite the incident.

Incident Details:

• Date of Incident: January 31, 2020
• Classification: Accident
• Cause: Bird strike
• Airline: Jambojet
• Flight Number: JM-8656
• Departure: Nairobi, Kenya
• Destination: Kisumu, Kenya
• Aircraft Registration: 5Y-JXH
• Aircraft Type: De Havilland Dash 8 (400)

Impact:

• One passenger sustained a minor finger injury, which was promptly treated.
• The aircraft remained grounded in Kisumu for about 25 hours for inspection and repairs before positioning back to Nairobi. It stayed grounded in Nairobi for an additional 14 hours before returning to service.

Jambo DH8D at Ukunda on Dec 20th, 2019

On December 20, 2019, Jambojet flight JM-8690 from Nairobi to Ukunda, operated by a De Havilland Dash 8-400 (registration 5Y-JXI), encountered a bird strike on approach to Ukunda’s runway 01. The crew executed a go-around and diverted to Mombasa, approximately 16 nautical miles north of Ukunda, where the aircraft landed safely about 15 minutes after the go-around.

Incident Details:

• Date of Incident: December 20, 2019
• Classification: Incident
• Cause: Bird strike
• Airline: Jambojet
• Flight Number: JM-8690
• Departure: Nairobi, Kenya
• Destination: Ukunda, Kenya
• Aircraft Registration: 5Y-JXI
• Aircraft Type: De Havilland Dash 8 (400)

Impact:

• The aircraft was inspected and returned to service after approximately 6 hours on the ground in Mombasa.
• The return flight JM-8691 was canceled due to the incident.

Key takeaways:

Jambojet has encountered a few incidents involving bird strikes, which are common hazards in aviation. The airline has demonstrated effective management of such incidents, ensuring passenger safety and minimal disruption. The prompt response to these events and the minor nature of the injuries and damages underscore the airline’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

IATA Safety Audit of Jambojet

In a significant milestone, Jambojet was awarded the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certification, affirming its adherence to global safety standards. This certification is a rigorous evaluation that ensures airlines operate at the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

Youngest Fleet in Africa

Following this achievement, Jambojet has been recognized as the top airline in Africa with the youngest fleet, according to a report by global aviation intelligence provider, ch-aviation.

Fleet Age Comparison:

• Jambojet: Average aircraft age is 4.3 years.
• Royal Air Maroc Express (Morocco): 6.03 years.
• Air Austral (Reunion): 6.05 years.
• Ethiopian Airlines: 6.11 years.
• RwandAir: 6.17 years.

Global Context:

• Global Average: 12 years.
• Asia: Youngest fleet with an average of 8.5 years.

This recognition underscores Jambojet’s commitment to maintaining a modern and efficient fleet, which not only enhances safety but also improves fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Commitment to Safety and Efficiency

Jambojet’s CEO, Allan Kilavuka, emphasized the airline’s dedication to safety and customer satisfaction. The strategic decision to acquire brand-new aircraft aligns with the airline’s goal of ensuring the highest safety standards and operational efficiency.

Industry Analysis

Thomas Jaeger, CEO of ch-aviation, noted that the analysis covered over 30,000 active commercial passenger and cargo aircraft. The findings highlighted that Asian airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, lead globally in fleet modernization due to significant growth and better access to capital for new aircraft.

Conclusion

Jambojet’s achievements in receiving the IOSA Certification and being recognized for having the youngest fleet in Africa reflect its strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. These accolades position Jambojet as a leading carrier in the region, demonstrating the airline’s robust operational capabilities and commitment to continuous improvement.