✈️ Nairobi Business Jet Movements Surge 80.9%, ACASS Bets on East African Long-Haul
On June 24, 2026, ACASS announced the expansion of its business jet management and charter operations in Africa (with Nigeria and Kenya as core markets), and in early June added two long-range aircraft—a BBJ2 and an Embraer Legacy 650—at its Kenya base, targeting the global charter market. This move precisely captures the window of surging demand in East Africa. Avi-Go data shows that Nairobi HKJK recorded a cumulative 1,456 movements in the first half of 2026 (January 1 to June 25), a year-on-year surge of 80.9% from 805 in the same period of 2025, ranking first in growth among Africa's four major hubs. Over the same period, Johannesburg FAOR grew 17.0% and Cairo HECA grew 4.2%, while Lagos DNMM dipped slightly by 3.1%, dragged down by a sharp decline in March.
Impact: The rapid release of intercontinental charter demand in East Africa is reshaping Africa's business aviation landscape. The scarcity of long-range aircraft gives early movers a first-mover advantage in pricing and route networks. The surge of Nairobi as an emerging hub may divert some intercontinental passenger traffic from traditional Johannesburg and Cairo markets.
Recommendation: Operators and brokers planning to enter the East African market should complete negotiations on Nairobi ground services and long-range aircraft capacity within the third quarter of 2026 to lock in peak-season slot resources. On the FBO side, it is recommended to assess HKJK handling capacity expansion before August 2026 to accommodate the continued arrival of BBJ2-class long-range aircraft.