Kenya Aviation History: Renegade Air Launches First ATR 42-500 on Nairobi-Kisumu Route
July 2, 2025: Kisumu International Airport witnesses aviation milestone as Renegade Air debuts Kenya's first ATR 42-500 aircraft, signaling major boost for western Kenya's air connectivity.
In a major milestone for Kenya's aviation industry, Renegade Air has officially launched the country's first-ever ATR 42-500 aircraft, deploying it on the high-demand Nairobi–Kisumu route.
A New Era for Domestic Aviation
While Renegade Air has been operating flights to Kisumu for some time, the introduction of the ATR 42-500 marks a significant upgrade in:
- Passenger comfort and experience
- Fuel efficiency and operational costs
- Regional capacity and connectivity
The new aircraft landed at Kisumu International Airport on Tuesday to a festive welcome that included a water cannon salute, airport staff celebrations, and social media buzz.
Technical Advantages of the ATR 42-500
The ATR 42-500 is a twin-engine turboprop designed for short-haul routes, making it particularly suited for Kenya's domestic aviation needs. This aircraft is the first of its type to operate in the country.
Key benefits include:
- Ability to operate from shorter runways
- Lower operational costs compared to jets
- Reduced environmental impact
- Enhanced passenger comfort for regional flights
Jambojet Responds with Fleet Expansion
Renegade Air's latest move comes shortly after rival airline Jambojet added its ninth aircraft, a De Havilland Dash 8 Q400, to boost capacity on the same route. The low-cost carrier currently operates 21 weekly flights to Kisumu and has been expanding to meet growing passenger demand.
Read our earlier coverage of Jambojet's expansion here »
Economic Impact for Western Kenya
With both airlines ramping up services, Kisumu is emerging as a vital hub for domestic air travel with expected benefits for:
- Tourism development in the Lake Region
- Business and trade connectivity
- Conference and event hosting capacity
- Regional economic integration
The aviation excitement has spilled onto social media, with Kenyans using hashtags like , , and to celebrate this leap forward in regional aviation.