Kenyan Parliament Urges Swift Safety Inspections on Skyward Express Aircraft

Kenyan lawmakers have formally petitioned the National Assembly to initiate urgent safety inspections on all aircraft operated by Skyward Express, a Kenyan airline based in Nairobi Wilson. The parliamentary statement underscores the need for the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to conduct thorough inspections and ensure the mandatory and regular maintenance of Skyward Express’s fleet.

The concerns raised in the petition, presented by Loima Member of Parliament Protus Akujah on October 18 and supported by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, revolve around reported incidents by passengers. These alleged incidents include landing gear mishaps, unusual sounds from engines, aircraft parts issues during flights, and reports of smoke from the wings. Additionally, concerns were raised about the perceived high ticket prices charged by Skyward Express compared to other carriers on similar routes.

In response to these claims, Skyward Express has been approached by ch-aviation for comment. However, the airline’s official response is yet to be obtained.

KCAA spokesman Salim Ali Bakari, in an emailed statement, indicated that the authority has an upcoming meeting with the parliamentary committee where their official position on the matter will be communicated. When asked to confirm the concerns, Bakari stated that revealing details at this stage would be preempting their official report.

Members of the Kenyan Parliament stressed the urgency of addressing these safety concerns promptly. While the concerns have been brought forward by specific incidents involving Skyward Express, some parliamentarians emphasized the importance of comprehensive action to ensure the safety and integrity of all Kenyan aircraft, rather than singling out a particular airline.

Skyward Express, operating domestically, manages a fleet comprising two Fokker 50s, one Fokker 100 chartered to its virtual subsidiary Premier Airlines, one Dash 8-100, and one Dash 8-300, as per the ch-aviation fleets advanced module. Notably, the airline recently expanded its fleet with the addition of its first Fokker 70. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.