Business Aviation & Flight Ops To Kenya

Elevate your business aviation in Kenya with the specialized expertise of Just Aviation. Our refined technical prowess ensures the seamless coordination of operations, adeptly addressing the multifaceted requirements of executive air travel. From meticulous flight planning to sophisticated aircraft management, encompassing ground handling, crew support, catering, and comprehensive fuel availability information, our team delivers tailored solutions. Trust Just Aviation to enhance your corporate aviation endeavors at Kenya international airports for business aviation.

Kenya boasts several key international airports that play pivotal roles in facilitating business flights, connecting the country to global markets and supporting various industries. These airports serve as vital gateways for business travelers, aiding trade, commerce, and investment opportunities within Kenya airports and beyond:

●      Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO, ICAO: HKJK)

●      Moi International Airport (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO)

●      Kisumu International Airport (IATA: KIS, ICAO: HKKI)

●      Eldoret International Airport (IATA: EDL, ICAO: HKEL)

●      Malindi Airport (IATA: MYD, ICAO: HKML)

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Flight Operations

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO, ICAO: HKJK) is an international airport in Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya. It has one runway (06/24) which is 4,117 meters (13,507 feet) long and paved in asphalt. It has two terminals: Terminal 1A and Terminal 1E, which handle international flights, and Terminal 1B, Terminal 1C and Terminal 1D, which handle domestic and regional flights. Terminal 2 is a temporary terminal that handles low-cost carriers.

The airport has three aprons: Apron 1, Apron 2 and Apron 3, which have a total of 42 parking stands for aircraft. The airport operates on a slot system, which means that airlines have to book a specific time slot for landing and take-off. The slot times are allocated by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) based on the airport’s capacity and demand.

Moi International Airport Flight Operations

Moi International Airport (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO) is an international airport in Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya. It has two runways: Runway 1 (03/21) which is 3,350 meters (10,990 feet) long and equipped with an ILS (Instrument Landing System), and Runway 2 (15/33) which is 1,363 meters (4,473 feet) long. Both runways are paved in asphalt. It has two terminals: Terminal 1, which handles international flights, and Terminal 2, which handles domestic flights.

The airport has three aprons: Apron 1, Apron 2 and Apron 3, which have a total of 26 parking stands for aircraft. The airport also operates on a slot system, which means that airlines have to book a specific time slot for landing and take-off. The slot times are allocated by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) based on the airport’s capacity and demand.

Navigating Kenya’s Airspace: Essential Permit Details

From meticulous flight schedules to specific cargo and passenger details, this overview ensures compliance with the regulations set by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Nuances of entry and exit points, essential aircraft documents, and the procedural intricacies vital for safe and authorized passage through Kenya’s skies:

Flight Schedule

In Kenya airports, obtaining an overflight permit demands meticulous planning. The flight schedule must be precise and detailed, including departure and arrival times, routes, and any intended stops or layovers. Without a complete itinerary, securing permission becomes a challenging task.

Entry / Exit Points with ATC Route

Kenya’s airspace management requires exact entry and exit points, as well as the designated Air Traffic Control (ATC) routes. This information is crucial for safe and regulated passage through their skies. Accuracy here streamlines the permit acquisition process.

Lead Passenger Details (Only for Passenger Flight)

For passenger flights, the lead passenger’s details are mandatory. Kenya’s regulations prioritize passenger safety, necessitating comprehensive information on individuals aboard. This includes but isn’t limited to identification, contact details, and other pertinent data.

Aircraft Documents

Kenya’s stringent requirements for aircraft documents encompass various certificates. These include the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Certificate of Airworthiness (COA), Certificate of Insurance (COI) specifically covering Kenya, Certificate of Noise Compliance (CON), and Certificate of Registration (COR). Compliance with these documents is crucial for permit approval.

Navigating Kenya’s airspace necessitates adherence to regulations set by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The overflight permit, denoted as KCAA/ASL/201800277, is indispensable and entails a processing fee of 50 USD. It’s vital to insert the issued permit number in the Flight Plan’s Item 18.

Understanding the working hours of the KCAA, from 0530Z to 1400Z, is crucial for timely application submissions. Overflight permits remain valid for a duration of +72 hours from the initially requested schedule. With Kenya’s airspace organized within a single Flight Information Region (FIR), strict adherence to these requirements is pivotal.

ATC Procedures, Flight Plan Compliance, and Navigation Protocols

When flying into or out of Kenya, adherence to air traffic control (ATC) procedures and meticulous flight plan compliance is vital. Prior to any operation, ensure your flight plan is filed at least 30 minutes before departure. Specifically for arrivals into or within Kenya airports, confirming your landing permit in the ICAO flight plan remarks (section 18) is crucial. ATC cross-checks this against your permit, verifying schedule and routing alignment.

For departures, flight plans can be handled by your 3rd-party provider or ground handler. However, should the Pilot in Command (PIC) choose to file independently, a visit to the ATC office becomes necessary.

Flight Plan Submission and Navigation Fee Settlement

Submitting flight plans via Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network is recommended when operating to or from Kenya. Alternatively, PICs can directly submit plans at the airport’s flight plan office. It’s imperative to ensure aircraft are equipped with standard onboard equipment as mandated by Kenyan ATC. When filing in person, the PIC undergoes security screening before proceeding to prepare for departure.

Navigation fees must be settled before departing Kenya, and obtaining a receipt is essential for ATC confirmation. Ground handlers can often arrange credit for these fees, invoicing at a later date. Should crew members handle payment, a visit to the airport authority office is necessary, as nav fees are only payable in cash.

Ground Handling In Kenya

Navigating ground handling in Kenya involves several key considerations and strategic steps to ensure a smooth operational experience. Here’s an insightful breakdown:

Understanding Priorities and Procedures

Kenya’s aviation landscape prioritizes scheduled commercial airlines, except for specific GA airports like Wilson (HKNW). Communicating detailed information about your aircraft, schedule, passenger status, and required business aviation services to your ground handler is crucial. Timeliness matters, especially during peak commercial activity hours.

Handling Request Process

Once your handling request is initiated, your ground handler takes charge of slot arrangements, parking, and essential business aviation services. Adequate lead time is pivotal, with suggested timelines of 72 hours for major Airports of Entry (AOEs) and around a week for smaller domestic airports, especially when GSE repositioning is necessary.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

While larger AOEs in Kenya offer a good array of GSE, smaller airports have limited options. Planning ahead allows ground handlers to organize and reposition necessary GSE for outlying airports. However, this business aviation service incurs additional fees.

Managing Schedule Revisions

Any alterations in your schedule can impact your handling arrangements. Schedule changes might affect permits and necessitate revisions in airport slots, parking, and aircraft services, requiring swift organization by your ground handler.

Effective Ground Handling Tips

Partnering with established ground handling in Kenya service providers that have a reach into both major and outlying airports is advantageous. These providers offer comprehensive support, including credit arrangements, ancillary services, local transport, catering, and enhanced security measures. Payment for services rendered by the handler usually occurs through subsequent invoicing, with charges based on aircraft type and maximum takeoff weight. Operators can request handling cost quotes for clarity.

Fuel Availability

across all international airports in Kenya, you can reliably find Jet A-1 available for refueling. This aviation turbine fuel is the standard choice for most turbine-engine aircraft, ensuring that your refueling needs are met consistently and efficiently throughout your journey within the country.

Elevate your business endeavors with Just Aviation’s expertise in Kenya’s dynamic business aviation landscape. Our adept handling of operations at Kenya international airports for business aviation guarantees a smooth journey from takeoff to touchdown. Discover the unmatched synergy between strategic business growth and seamless air travel. Trust Just Aviation to be your gateway to success in the realm of business aviation in Kenya.