Safarilink Launches New Passenger Service To Vipingo Ridge

Safarilink Aviation, Kenya’s premier safari airline has today strengthened its presence in Kenya’s aviation sector with the official launch of the Vipingo route. The airline commenced its flights on Wednesday 01 July 2015 and will operate daily from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Vipingo via Diani Airstrip.

The Inaugural flight SL057 departed Wilson airport at 12: 00 hrs to Vipingo Ridge Airstrip at 13:10 hrs where it was welcomed by a delegation consisting of senior representatives from the government, tourism and travel sector as well as local dignitaries from the coast region.

Operated by a Dash 8 – 100 Safarilink aircraft with capacity of 35 passengers , the new service is designed to provide residents, business and leisure travellers with a daily service and an alternative convenient route to Malindi or Moi International airports in Mombasa.

Speaking at the launch Mr, John Buckley, Managing Director of Safarilink Aviation said “Kenya’s coastal region is one of the globally recognised leisure and tourism destinations, and the launch of this service to Vipingo is consistent with our strategy of connecting scheduled services to all the best safari destinations within Kenya and across the border into northern Tanzania”

While receiving guests from the inaugural flight Vipingo Ridge General Manager Mr. Mike Round – Turner said “Not only does the Safarilink service provide our guests with direct access to an exciting new business and tourism destination, it also further strengthens our presence in East Africa and the entire region”. He further called on residents and visitors to the area to utilise this service that will offer quality, timely and convenient travel. He also called on Kenyans to support the industry through domestic tourism to sample the country’s beautiful scenes particularly the coast region.

The Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi commended Safarilink for launching the flight as well as Vipingo Ridge management for opening up its private airstrip to this valuable service in the area. “This service will increase the area’s accessibility to business, sports, tourism and leisure travellers and thus contribute to the country’s GDP” He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s tourism industry that was evidenced by the recent increased budget allocations to security and tourism dockets.