27th Nov 2006 14:00
Lonrho Africa PLC27 November 2006 LONRHO AFRICA PLC ("Lonrho") Lonrho announces Fly540 first flights in Kenya Lonrho today announced that Fly540, a recently established low cost airlinebased in Nairobi, Kenya, launched its inaugural service from Nairobi's mainInternational airport to the coastal hub of Mombasa on Friday 24th November2006. Fly540, in which Lonrho has a 49% stake, has been created to meet thegrowing demand for alternative domestic and regional air travel, as well as toprovide freight services, within Africa. Fly540 entered the Kenyan domestic marketplace with a brand new aviationbusiness model focusing on modern, eco friendly ATR aircraft offering 46 seatsin a no frills economy environment. Kenya is seen as an ideal base for the newairline as the country is a popular tourist destination with a thriving domesticair travel market. This is the first '' no frills carrier'' within the EastAfrican Region. In 2007, with the aim of transforming the group into a transcontinental carrier,Fly540 intends to launch its first international services into the East Africanregion with a minimum of four new destinations. As expansion continues, furtherATR aircraft are set to join the fleet. Demand has been high for this new service and will be further enhanced inDecember, when Fly540.com launches its booking engine. David Lenigas, Joint Chairman and CEO of Lonrho, said: "With the current lack of short haul flights between East and West Africa,Fly540's first foray is an important addition to African passenger transport.The new customer and travel agent demand we have seen so far for this service isa key indicator that Fly540 is filling a large gap in the market. We areconfident this investment represents real opportunity to increase value forLonrho shareholders." There will be a choice of four fares offering different levels of flexibility.Return fares begin with a pay and go starter fare of 5,540 Shillings (£40.77)for adults. Initially there will be two return services each day leaving Nairobiat 12.40 p.m and 5.40 p.m. The return flights will depart from Mombasa at 2.40p.m. and 7.40 p.m. In December Fly540 will provide a third daily return flight between Nairobi andMombasa leaving Nairobi at 8.40 a.m. and returning from Mombasa at 10.40 a.m. Adaily service is planned for the Nairobi Malindi and Lamu route and details willbe announced towards the end of November. Tickets are available from travelagents and the Fly540 offices at ABC Place in Nairobi. Full information on fares and services can be obtained from the websitewww.fly540.com and passengers can book flights online. End For further information, please contact: Lonrho Africa Plc +44 (020) 7016 5105David Lenigas, Chief Executive +44 (0)7881 825 378Emma Priestley, Executive Director +44 (0)7867 785 177 Strand Partners Limited +44 (0)20 7409 3494Simon RaggettMatthew Chandler Cardew Group +44 (0)20 7930 0777Nadja Vetter +44 (0)7941 340 436Eden Mendel +44 (0)7887 676 603Emma Consett +44 (0)7971 468 308 Notes to Editors Lonrho is in the process of re-establishing a significant presence on theAfrican continent. Its investment and acquisition strategy, which was adoptedfollowing the appointment of David Lenigas as Chairman and Chief Executive andsubsequent shareholder approval in February 2006, focuses on the naturalresources, infrastructure, leisure and agribusiness sectors. Lonrho's executiveteam has considerable experience across these industries in a wide range ofcountries. This year, Lonrho has announced investments in Brinkley Mining Plc,Nare Diamonds Ltd, Luba Freeport and Fly540. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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