Skyward Express was established in 2013 by Mohamed Abdi and Issack Somow. The two are licensed pilots, and they started the Airline alongside a group of local pilots and investors.
They started with only one plane (a Fokker 50) but acquired other aircraft over time.
Abdi is serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, while Somow is the Accountable Manager.
Others in leadership positions include Juma Yusuf Mohamed, the Head of Maintenance, and Josephat Nyakundi Ratemo, the Quality Manager.
Abdullahi Mohammed serves as General Manager, while Captain Alex Omollo is the Chief Pilot.
Skyward Express operates its passenger services from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, and cargo from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using its new modern fleet of Dash 8–Q300 and Fokker 50 aircraft.
Destinations
It offers flights to and from Nairobi, Lamu, Eldoret, Lodwar and Mombasa.
Flights from Wilson to Eldoret depart at 7:30am and 4:30pm.
The reverse flights depart at 4:30am and 5:45pm.
Additionally, there are flights from Wilson to Lamu depart at 9:00am while the return flight leaves at 11:30 am.
Skyward flights leave Wilson Airport for Lodwar at 7:30am and 2:30pm.
The return flights depart at 9:40am and 4:40pm.
Flights to Mombasa leave Wilson at 9:00am and 3:00pm.
Reverse flights leave Mombasa at 12:30pm and 4:30pm.
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Skyward Express Fleet
The Airline has a Fokker 50, which is a turboprop-powered aircraft with a seating capacity of 50 passengers.
It has proved to be an outstanding workhorse in developing new routes and has served Skyward Express well over the past 3 years.
The aircraft has consistently demonstrated high reliability and performance in the short sectors.
Besides, Skyward Express has a Fokker 100, a medium-sized twin-turbofan aircraft from Fokker with a seating capacity of 100 passengers.
The aircraft has a very quiet cabin due to the engine position.
Its low noise characteristics and attenuated design features make passengers feel more relaxed and comfortable.
It has Bombardier Dash 8 or Q-Series, previously known as the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 or DHC-8.
This is a twin-engine, medium-range, turboprop aircraft with a seating capacity of 50 passengers.
Its fleet comprises 37 and 50-seater aircraft.
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Maintenance Support
Skyward Express is certified as an Approved Maintenance Organisation.
This allows the Company to control its maintenance requirements more effectively and efficiently.
However, it has agreements with several maintenance organisations.
This includes SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance, Vector Aerospace, Adsoft Maintenance Software, and My Fokker Fleet Subscription.
It also had a Stores Department structured to reflect recommended industry practices.
The Airline has documented and implemented appropriate segregation, storage according to manufacturer’s recommendations, quarantined items, parts control, tool control, and stock inventories.
Besides, Skyward Express has invested in ample regular and special teething, aircraft parts, and ground support equipment.
Easy access to the above has enabled the maintenance department to become more effective in its mandate.
Training of Staff
Skyward Express also takes seriously the training of maintenance personnel.
It is committed to ensuring that all engineering staff receive comprehensive, manufacturer-approved training in crucial technical areas.
This includes type training for Fokker 100, F27 Mark 50, and De Havilland Dash 8 Series aircraft, as well as approved training in tyre and brake assembly.
Additionally, staff are trained in essential operational and safety disciplines such as CRM – HF Maintenance, SMS Maintenance, Airside Safety, Aviation Security, Fire Fighting Techniques, Dangerous Goods Handling, and Basic First Aid.
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