Skyward Express refutes failed landing claim
In a statement issued on Sunday, the airline clarified that the aircraft in question, a DHC-8 registered as 5Y-SMK, was not operating a scheduled commercial service but was instead involved in a routine crew training exercise.
Regional and domestic airline, Skyward Express, has refuted media reports suggesting that one of its aircraft failed to land at Eldoret International Airport under unclear circumstances.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the airline clarified that the aircraft in question, a DHC-8 registered as 5Y-SMK, was not operating a scheduled commercial service but was instead involved in a routine crew training exercise.
According to the airline, the training exercise was conducted in strict compliance with aviation regulations and was supervised by qualified flight instructors.
“There were no passengers on board during this activity, as it was strictly a training session,” the statement read in part.
Skyward Express stated that the aircraft subsequently returned safely to Wilson Airport in Nairobi without any incident.
The management emphasized that training flights are a normal and essential part of aviation operations, designed to keep crew members proficient and up to date with regulatory standards.
“Skyward Airlines remains committed to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance,” the statement concluded.
Media reports had claimed, citing tracking data, that the aircraft circled the Eldoret airspace multiple times but could not safely touch down on the runway.
The reports claimed that after several unsuccessful attempts, the pilot decided to abandon the landing and return to Nairobi.
