LONRHO / STELIOS TAKE OVER FLY 540
It was learned over the weekend that a new ownership has emerged at Fly 540 Aviation, when Lonrho with their new partner Sir Stelios compelled the other existing shareholders to sell – in the face of whatever evidence they were confronted with – taking full control of East Africas first LCC.
Previous Co-CEO Don Smith predictably had to leave Fly 540, and it is understood that no tears were shed by anyone over this, while Neill Steffen, the other Co-CEO and previously more engaged in other Fly 540 operations in different parts of Africa, will return full time to Nairobi to take charge of the airline.
Only a week ago were news broken here of these developments being imminent, bringing forth the wrath of those exposed a shade too early for their own clandestine taste, but with this latest confirmation now at hand, it is once again clear that the story broken then was entirely correct and that the anger of those now departed has departed with them.
It was confirmed that Don Smith will be moving over to East African Safari Air Express, a company ostensibly taken over at the time by Fly 540, in retrospect not the case as it was taken over by one individual. EASAX is now awaiting a Kenya Civil Aviation Authority licensing hearing to learn about the fate of their application for an air service license, something which will probably meet with objections from other airlines but that will be another story to be told right here when the time comes.
Another piece of information which emerged from the weekend information flow was that what was thought to have been Fly 540s own maintenance facility at Wilson Airport was apparently also owned by the now former CEO Don Smith, which if correct would be a clear sign of longer term intent, to be ready when the day would inevitably come that the other shareholders, those with the money that is, could no longer to be duped and would come knocking at the door with strong men in attendance, figuratively speaking of course. Whether, as has been rumoured, that MRO has charged Fly 540 over the top for maintenance, cannot be confirmed but a forensic audit could possible shed some light on this piece of the equation, should the new bosses at Fly 540 wish to pursue the matter further.
The new owners seem set to roll out an ambitious fleet development programme to turn their vision finally into reality, no longer held back by internal elements with their own hidden agenda, and will in coming months turn into what is expected to be a purely jet airline, operating regional flights and the city pairs to Kisumu, Malindi and Mombasa. Watch this space as the Fly 540 saga enters a new phase with new owners, refreshed management and the deep pockets to make things happen.
16 Jan
Posted by Jackie on January 16, 2012 at 12:22
Good !
Posted by meercy javan on January 17, 2012 at 15:19
We hope for the best for the reputable company.
Posted by Easy on January 20, 2012 at 14:24
Good riddance. Someone should cut through the crux and see how much litigation and contention due to irregularities (financial) all over the continent. Well known fact. Not a very honest bloke.
Posted by Jones Heinz on January 25, 2012 at 23:32
Don and his cronies did it at Regional Air then they screwed 540 and the next victim will surely come soon.
Posted by kechumbe on February 9, 2013 at 14:24
it is apparently now the next victim is Fastjet, but us guys in Tz we know those crooks we are going to deal with them, Fastjet is our saviour
Posted by Sad on February 18, 2012 at 09:11
Don how many people are you going to screw around, do you have no shame or respect left? What goes around comes around!
Posted by sadest on April 13, 2012 at 15:33
hey Don pay your pilots their dues stop your thuggery shameless man
Posted by sadest on April 13, 2012 at 15:50
how much of lonrho cash have you swindled and everybody else that you owe?
Posted by faith on June 26, 2012 at 13:22
besudes from don smith,the managing director,mr.nixon Ooko;is a very tribalistic,entrenched in ethnic glorification and the most corrupt and uncouth-non schooled man in this country.he has packed all fly540 outstations in kisumu,kitale,eldoret,kakamega,mombasa and many others with people from his home area and majority are his relatives.kindly take action against this proud fool!!!
Posted by lotian kipchomus on July 16, 2012 at 11:20
I like this good news.
Posted by Aalia on August 9, 2012 at 04:22
U guys aent fair Don has bin the best boss any1 culd get,he knws how to make things work how they supsd,yes there were sme -Ve hapenins in 540 bt wasnt al his doin bt hs juniors were too lazy to do anytn abt them and aman cnt carry awhole cmpany alne,so uguys stop bad mouthn ahardworkn man and find smetn worth to do.
Posted by Aviation, tourism, travel and conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands on August 9, 2012 at 04:32
Galaxy_851@hotmail.com
Let’s put a contact to that comment to allow everyone to see where it is coming from, a paid mouthpiece.
Posted by Mariam on August 11, 2012 at 09:31
Aalia. U are in denial. You must have been his doormat/spy/ally or You must be in love with him!!!!!!! Maybe you were in good terms because you used to lick his boots. They guy is a TYRANT and CROOK and RACIST and USER. Lets call a spade a spade. Wake up and smell the coffee honey.
Posted by Aalia on August 9, 2012 at 04:53
Yes evry institution has its -ves but he aint to blame the staff were al to blame due to there neglegence too.how culd 1man supsd to shoulder awhole cmpany.hs junior staff hid alot of unpleasant hapenings that i knw of.
Posted by Aviation, tourism, travel and conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands on August 9, 2012 at 04:57
Of course, always the fault of others …
Posted by Mariam on August 11, 2012 at 09:45
Aalia, You must have been in that organization and you must have been his BOOT LICKER. Your passionate defense for him gives me no doubt. POOR AALIA.
Posted by Aalia on August 15, 2012 at 13:52
If he treatn hs staff wel and ido nid to show hm my apprec means am a boot licker then am proud to b n hs gf too. U nid to grow up and stp slandrz. Find smtn imptnt to do u mite b suprizd ul invent anew cure for Smkind of arush.
Posted by Mariam on August 17, 2012 at 09:52
u are so passionate about it Dear. I pity you. You aint even a shareholder there. Why carry other people’s burden? What a matyr!!