Safarilink Takes Delivery of New Caravan
Kenya’s Safarilink Aviation has taken a major step in expanding its fleet by acquiring its first Cessna Caravan C208EX from Textron Aviation. The delivery was completed at Nairobi Wilson after an impressive week-long journey that spanned multiple continents. According to social media posts by the airline, the aircraft, registered as 5Y-SLR and bearing manufacturer serial number 208B5845, embarked on an extensive ferry flight with 12 stops along its route. The journey began at Wichita Cessna Aircraft Field and included stops in Rochester, Minnesota; Bangor International in the United States; Goose Bay in Canada; Narsarsuaq in Greenland; Reykjavik Keflavik in Iceland; Wick in the United Kingdom; Luxembourg; Belgrade Nikola Tesla in Serbia; Irakleion in Greece; Cairo Capital International in Egypt; Taif in Saudi Arabia; and Addis Ababa International in Ethiopia before finally touching down at Nairobi Wilson on March 4.
The addition of this Grand Caravan EX represents a significant upgrade for Safarilink, a carrier that has built a reputation for providing access to Kenya’s premier wilderness destinations. The airline plans to utilize the new aircraft on routes leading to some of the country’s most iconic safari and nature reserves. Travelers will soon be able to fly to the Maasai Mara game reserve, the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya, Nanyuki—the gateway to Mount Kenya and the Mount Kenya National Park—the expansive Tsavo West National Park, and Naivasha, which is located on the scenic shores of Lake Naivasha. With these routes, Safarilink continues to reinforce its commitment to connecting remote and attractive tourist destinations, thereby boosting Kenya’s tourism sector and offering travelers unique experiences in the wild.
The Grand Caravan EX is an upgraded variant of the widely used Cessna Caravan 208B. Prior to this acquisition, Safarilink already operated eight units of the Cessna Caravan 208B, underscoring its longstanding relationship with this reliable aircraft family. The new delivery enhances the operator’s capability to serve low-demand routes with efficiency and flexibility. Furthermore, Safarilink Aviation has forged a forward-thinking partnership with Surf Air Mobility to retrofit its existing Cessna Caravan 208B fleet with electric engines. This initiative is aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of its operations while ensuring continued performance and cost-effectiveness, aligning the carrier with global trends toward sustainable aviation.
In addition to its evolving Cessna fleet, Safarilink’s aircraft lineup also includes a diverse range of models. The airline’s current fleet data reveals that it operates four De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Dash-8s. These include one DHC-8-100, one DHC-8-Q200, one DHC-8-300, and one DHC-8-Q300, which collectively serve various regional routes and complement the carrier’s niche in connecting remote areas with major urban centers. By maintaining a balanced mix of aircraft, Safarilink is well positioned to offer flexible, efficient, and reliable service across its network.
This latest acquisition from Textron Aviation not only boosts Safarilink’s capacity but also strengthens its operational capabilities as it continues to expand its service offerings in the competitive aviation market. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and connectivity, Safarilink Aviation is set to further enhance the travel experience for both local and international passengers exploring the natural wonders of Kenya.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com