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Fly540 is a Kenyan low-cost airline which operates flights around East Africa. The airline is based in Nairobi and has a hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), flying to destinations in Kenya, South Sudan and Zanzibar with scheduled flights.
The airline was founded in 2006 and began flying in November of that year with domestic flights between Nairobi and Mombasa with ATR 42 aircraft. In 2007, the airline added additional aircraft and developed new domestic routes which led to passenger numbers increasing by 93% by the end of 2008. In 2008, the airline introduced international flights to South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
In 2012, the airline was purchased by Fastjet, who wanted to invest and launch Africa's budget airline with a similar business model as EasyJet.
The airline has previously owned two subsidiaries; Fly540 Ghana, which suspended operations in 2014 and was subsequently sold, and Fly540 Angola which was also suspended in May 2014.
In 2019, the airline won the award for Kenya's Leading Domestic Airline for the 5th time in a row, by World Travel Awards.
Top Tip: Visiting the Masai Mara? Check out our full guide to flying to the Masai Mara for more travel information!
Baggage Policy
Fly540 has different baggage policies for carry-on and checked baggage.
Carry-on Baggage
Your hand luggage must not exceed the dimensions 56 x 45 x 25cm. There's no official weight limit on carry-on baggage but it must not be excessively heavy.
Checked Baggage
There is an allowance of 1 x 20kg of checked luggage per person. Infants who do not occupy their own seats are allowed 1 x 10kg in addition to a collapsible stroller.
Cabin Classes
Fly540 only officially has 1 cabin class — Economy Class.
Economy Class
On Fly540 planes, there is only one travel class. In the Basic Economy class, you can enjoy a spacious seat with plenty of personal space, with friendly and attentive staff who provide great service. The aircraft that you fly on is designed to be very quiet due to the positioning of the aircraft, meaning that you can use the time to sleep or get on with work without distractions. Onboard, you will receive complimentary refreshments of a small snack and drinks. On longer flights to Juba or Zanzibar, you will be offered a light meal such as a sandwich. Also, you can enjoy the entertainment of the flight magazine.
Premium Economy
There is no Premium Economy service onboard this airline.
Business Class
Fly540 is yet to offer a Business Class service.
First Class
There is no First Class service available onboard the Fly540 planes.
In-flight Entertainment & WIFI
There are no TVs onboard Fly540 flights, either overhead or in-seat screens. However, you are welcome to read the in-flight magazine to keep yourself occupied and you're also welcome to bring your own entertainment such as a book or personal device onboard the plane to entertain yourself for the flight.
WIFI
There is currently no WiFi offered onboard by this airline.
Food & Drink
You will receive complimentary refreshments onboard, which consist of light juices, tea, coffee or water, all served with biscuits. On longer flights, you can also receive a sandwich from a selection.
Check-In
As well as being able to check in at the airport you can also check in online prior to your flight.
Online Check-in
Online check-in opens 48 hours before the flight departure time and closes two hours before. To check-in online, you need to enter your surname and booking reference under the 'Manage My Booking' section on the fly540 website. Via the online check-in service, you will also be able to choose your seat, check your reservation and print your boarding pass, as well as generally manage your online booking.
Airport Check-in
You can check in for your Fly540 flight at the airport by visiting a Fly540 check-in agent at one of the Fly540 check-in desks. For domestic flights, you must check in at the airport for your Fly540 40 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time at the very latest. For international flights, you'll need to check in at the airport for your Fly540 flight two hours before the scheduled flight departure time at the very latest.
Frequent Flyer Programme
There is no frequent flyer program associated with Fly540.
Airline Alliance
Although this airline has no official airline alliance pacts, it has historically had interline agreements with Qatar Airways and Fly-SAX.
Special Services
Fly540 offers a number of special services including:
Unaccompanied Children
Passengers aged between 6 and 17 are welcome to travel with Fly540 as an unaccompanied minoras long as they are carrying a government-issued photo ID or passport, along with a letter of consent from their parent or guardian.
Expectant Mothers
Expectant mothers are welcome to travel up until 36 weeks of pregnancy. If you are over 28 weeks pregnant, you will be required to obtain a doctor's certificate.
Disabled Passengers
Fly540 regret to inform you that they are currently unable to accommodate passengers who are immobile or lift-on/off passengers because of the facilities of the aircraft. The aircraft are not fitted with the specialist equipment that is required to assist these passengers.
Passengers who are travelling with a wheelchair are welcome and can be escorted to the aircraft door if they are able to climb the stairs.
Flying with pets or emotional support animals
Find the rules or regulations for travelling with a service animal, pet, or emotional support animal, on Fly540 planes. Alternative Airlines will provide all the information needed for flying with an animal.
Destinations that Fly540 flies to
Fly540 flies to a number of destinations across Kenya and other destinations across east Africa.
Alternatives to Fly540
Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes to Fly540:
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Hub Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the main international airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Not only is the airport a key airport for Kenya, but it's also the 7th-busiest airport in Africa for passenger traffic with over 7 million passengers in 2018. The airport was originally called Embakasi Airport and now operates flights to destinations in over 50 countries.
The airport is also a hub for Jambojet, Kenya Airways, Safe Air, Premier Airlines, 748 Air Services, Pan African Airlines and African Express Airways.
Fleet
The Fly540 fleet consists purely of Bombardier aircraft as the table below summarises (correct as of August 2019). Previously the airline planned to have ATR aircraft added, but these were later cancelled.
- 2x Bombardier CRJ200LR
- 1x Bombardier Dash 8-100
- 1x Bombardier Dash 8-200
- 1x Bombardier Dash 8-Q300
News
20th July 2022
Fly540 partners with AeroCRS to push expansion plan
Fly540 has partnered with travel solutions company, AeroCRS, to push its expansion into Africa, driving an increase in revenue through online travel agencies, meta-search engines and other aggregators. This partnership will also help the airline make a successful return after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.