As the majority of Kenyans hustle to eke a living with others in a rush to purchase different cars and motorbikes through loans, well-oiled Kenyans are acquiring and importing the latest models of helicopters from European, Western, and Asian countries and most specifically from South Africa where political elites get options to either buy or Hire A Helicopter
But this flair doesn’t come cheap. With the average income in Kenya standing at Ksh.157,036.58 a year according to the World Bank, hiring a chopper costs a hefty amount ranging from above Ksh.150, 000.
In order to purchase a helicopter in Kenya, one must at least have an estimated sum of Ksh.200 million depending on the agreement reached with the company that owns the aircraft
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The French-made AS Aerospatiale 350B3e Eurocopter is the most popular brand with Kenyans. The cost of this helicopter is $1.9 million (Ksh202.8 million). The cost goes upwards of Ksh 350 million as the chopper has to be assembled in Kenya. It’s flown into the country in parts once it has been purchased
According to the current market waves, the average cost to hire A helicopter in Kenya is between Ksh.150,000 and 170,000 per hour for a 3-pax helicopter with the price going up to 250,000 for higher capacity choppers.
Operating a helicopter is not cheap either. Here are other costs on average
Helicopters consume up to Ksh 30,000 worth of fuel per hour. Parking per night at Wilson Airport is Ksh10,000 and the landing fee is Ksh1,000. Insurance is between Ksh.8 million and up to Ksh.10 Million depending on hours flown by the pilot. A brand new Cessna is about Ksh.43 million
According to The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director-General Captain Gilbert Kibe, there has been a rise in the number of choppers imported in the country with 325 reported to be imported in the year 2021 compared to 67 in 2020.
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