This week The HUB is getting all nostalgic after reading a story about the latest fleet expansion from a regional airline in Africa. While, we have got used to reading stories in recent years about the introduction of modern generation regional jets and turboprops, this headline grabbed our attention as it would not have looked out of place had we been producing the publication back in the 1940s when aviation was still in its infancy.
The story is about Mombasa Air Safaris’ expansion of its charter programme between its base at Mombasa’s Moi International Airport and the Maasai Mara game reserve. While aircraft type such as the de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter and Dash 7 have proved their worth in these markets, as well as the rugged Cessna Caravan and Beech 1900, the carrier has gone for something different, a 32-seat Douglas DC-3 Dakota. Ok, the aircraft is an upgraded turbo version of the aircraft, but it is still one of only a handful of these classic airliners still flying commercial passenger services. The airline’s Managing Director, Mohamedali Harunany is quoted as saying “the plane was designed with the tourist comfort in mind” and cost a reported Sh2.13 billion to buy.
One thing is for sure, if tourist numbers between the Kenyan coast and the Maasai Mara dry up, there will be an alternative tourist attraction for visitors… the chance to fly in one of the world’s oldest airliners.
For more of this week's news and analysis please click here to read The HUB.
Related Content
