ASL Airlines Ireland
A Kenyan low-cost airline operating as Fly540, with a regional network centred on Nairobi and links across East Africa.
About ASL Airlines Ireland
This directory entry concerns the Kenyan low-cost carrier Fly540, legally identified as Fly540 and associated with IATA code 5H and ICAO code FFV. The airline began operations in 2006 and developed its identity around affordable regional flying from Kenya. It should not be confused with the Irish cargo carrier normally known as ASL Airlines Ireland, whose branding and operating credentials are different.
Nairobi is the airline’s primary hub and its most important departure point. The network comprises 31 routes serving exactly 12 destinations across 4 countries, with additional activity from Dar Es Salaam, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu. Services connect major regional centres with smaller Kenyan destinations, including Kitale, Lodwar, Malindi and Lamu, while international points include Zanzibar, Entebbe and Juba.
Aircraft types associated with the operation include the Canadair Regional Jet, Cessna light aircraft, De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 family and Fokker F28 Fellowship. This varied regional fleet is suited to routes with different levels of demand and to airports with differing operational requirements. As a low-cost airline, the product is generally straightforward, with an emphasis on practical transport rather than elaborate premium cabins or extensive long-haul amenities.
The carrier is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. No dedicated frequent-flyer programme can be stated with confidence, so travellers should not expect the alliance-wide earning, redemption or status benefits offered by larger global airlines. Passengers connecting to other carriers should also check whether baggage can be transferred, as separate tickets may require collection and rechecking between flights.
Fly540’s principal strength is regional reach: its network links Nairobi and other important East African cities with Kenyan coastal and inland communities that have fewer nonstop options. The trade-off is that a small regional operation may offer less schedule frequency and fewer recovery alternatives than a major network airline when disruption occurs. Travellers should allow sensible connection time and confirm current schedules, baggage terms and operating arrangements before departure.
Good to know
Flying with ASL Airlines Ireland — what to expect
Check Operating Identity
The 5H and FFV credentials belong to Kenya’s Fly540 operation, despite the ASL Airlines Ireland name appearing in this entry. Confirm the operating carrier shown on your ticket before travel.
Baggage Varies
Allowance and fees can depend on the fare and route. Check the booking confirmation for current cabin and checked-baggage conditions rather than relying on a general airline-wide rule.
Regional Aircraft
Flights may use regional jets, turboprops or smaller aircraft. Cabin space and overhead-bin capacity can therefore be more limited than on larger mainline aircraft.
Allow Connection Time
Leave a comfortable margin when connecting, especially on separate tickets. Through-checking of baggage and protection during missed connections should not be assumed.
Confirm Your Schedule
Regional timetables can change and some destinations may have limited frequencies. Recheck the flight status and departure airport details before travelling.
Network overview
Where ASL Airlines Ireland flies
ASL Airlines Ireland operates 31 routes to 12 destinations across 4 countries, its longest sector reaching Juba to Nairobi (907 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities ASL Airlines Ireland flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Juba → Nairobi
907 km · JUB → NBO
The longest sector in the ASL Airlines Ireland network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by ASL Airlines Ireland
More from Kenya
Other airlines based in Kenya
FAQ
ASL Airlines Ireland — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The busiest departure hubs, ranked by number of routes, are Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu.
- The network covers Kenya and nearby East African markets. Destinations include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Lamu, Malindi, Lodwar, Kitale, Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam, Entebbe and Juba.
- For the Kenyan 5H operation covered here, Nairobi is the primary hub. Dar Es Salaam, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu are also important departure points.
- Lower fares are generally easier to find when booking early, travelling outside holidays and choosing less popular departure times. Compare flexible dates because availability and frequency vary across this regional network.
- Cabin-baggage limits may vary by fare, route and aircraft, particularly because smaller regional aircraft can have restricted overhead space. Check the dimensions and weight stated on the booking confirmation before departure.
- The longest route is Juba to Nairobi, about 907 km nonstop.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- The airline serves exactly 12 destinations across 4 countries, operating 31 routes.