ASKY Airlines, established in June 2008 and based in Lomé, Togo, has become a leading regional carrier in West and Central Africa. It officially launched operations in January 2010 with the mission of enhancing connectivity across African nations.

ASKY Airlines serves over 20 destinations, providing vital links within the region and offering connections to Europe and the Middle East. Known for its modern fleet and focus on affordability, the airline aims to make air travel accessible to more people while maintaining reliable service.

ASKY Airlines operates a fleet of 14 aircraft, comprising 10 Boeing 737-800s, 2 Boeing 737-700s, and 2 Boeing 737-MAX 8s. These planes are configured to include both business and economy class seating, ensuring a modern and efficient travel experience with an average fleet age of just 5 years. This commitment to operating new or nearly new aircraft makes ASKY’s fleet one of the most advanced in West and Central Africa​.​

The airline has a strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, which supports its operational and growth strategies. This collaboration has allowed ASKY to expand its network and services while leveraging Ethiopian Airlines’ expertise in aviation management.

For travelers seeking efficient regional transport, ASKY Airlines offers a practical and budget-friendly option.

This post is my review of ASKY. After a few travels with them, I think its worth sharing my travel experience and key details.

Booking and Reservations on ASKY airlines

Booking with ASKY Airlines is simple. The airline’s website is easy to use. You can search flights, compare prices, and book tickets quickly.

Their mobile app is also handy. I found it great for managing reservations.

Several online platforms list ASKy flights. ASKY Airlines flights are widely available through various travel agencies, both online and offline, making it convenient for passengers to book their trips. These agencies often list ASKY’s routes alongside other carriers, enabling travelers to compare flight options, schedules, and prices in one place. Online travel agencies like Expedia, Booking.com, and regional platforms provide seamless booking services, allowing users to reserve flights, manage itineraries, and access exclusive deals.

Traditional travel agencies also play a key role, especially in regions where digital access may be limited. These agencies assist passengers in finding suitable flight options, understanding baggage policies, and navigating visa requirements. By collaborating with a broad network of travel agencies, ASKY Airlines extends its accessibility, ensuring that customers can easily book tickets across its extensive African network and international destinations.

The first time I used ASKY Airlines was in 2011, and I booked my ticket from their main office in Yaoundé, Cameroon. ASKY also has offices in Douala and at the airport, making it relatively convenient to access their services in major cities. However, I would not recommend relying on phone calls to make bookings with them in Cameroon, as their phone services are often unreliable. Similarly, emailing them is not advisable since I have never received a response to any of my emails sent to their Cameroon offices.

For a more efficient alternative, you can safely book flights online using a credit card on their official website. Not only is this method more reliable, but it also comes with the added advantage of lower fares. The key is that ticket prices are typically cheaper online compared to those offered at their physical offices. If you’re unable to visit an office, booking online is the most convenient and cost-effective option.

Fleet and Comfort inside ASKY airlines planes

ASKY Airlines operates modern aircraft. Most flights use Boeing 737s or Bombardier Dash 8 planes. The airplanes are moderately sized, providing a comfortable experience for economy-class passengers like me. There’s generally enough legroom to stretch your legs during the flight, which makes the journey more pleasant.

Business class, from the glimpses I’ve had, doesn’t seem overly luxurious, apart from the leather seats and a few additional perks. Hopefully, someday I’ll get the chance to experience business class firsthand and compare the difference for myself.

In general, the seating is comfortable for short or medium flights.

Efficient Cabin Maintenance During Transits

ASKY Airlines ensures that its cabins remain clean and well-maintained, even during layovers. Since transits are common on budget-friendly flights, the cleaning crew quickly enters the plane to tidy up the empty seats vacated by departing passengers. This process is swift and efficient, with crew members removing any leftover trash and wiping down seats if necessary. I’ve always been impressed by how promptly they manage this, ensuring that the cabin remains fresh and comfortable for the next batch of travelers. It’s one of those small touches that really shows ASKY’s attention to detail and customer care.

However, amenities can differ depending on the route. Some ASKY planes, especially those used for shorter flights lasting 1-2 hours, don’t have TVs for watching movies or other forms of in-flight entertainment. In fact, having taken several of these short-haul flights, I’ve rarely encountered a plane equipped with this feature. My assumption is that larger planes used for long-haul or intercontinental routes are more likely to include such amenities, as they cater to passengers who spend extended hours in the air.

ASKY Airlines provides a large screen visible to all passengers, showing the flight route for public viewing, which adds a nice touch of entertainment and information. They also offer headsets upon request for in-flight listening.

While I’ve never specifically asked for a blanket, I’m unsure whether they provide one, as I’ve never needed one during my short African flights. It would be worth asking the cabin crew if it’s something you might require during your trip.

Check-In and Boarding at ASKY airlines

Online check-in is available 24 hours before the flight. You can select seats and print boarding passes. Online check-in, available 24 hours before the flight, is a convenient feature that helps streamline the travel experience. By selecting seats in advance, passengers can secure their preferred spots, whether near the window, aisle, or in exit rows for more legroom.

Printing boarding passes ahead of time saves time at the airport and reduces the risk of delays or confusion. This option is especially useful for avoiding long check-in lines and ensuring a smooth boarding process, allowing travelers to head straight to security or relax before their flight.

Personally, I have never checked-in online while using ASKY, mainly because I slightly struggle with trusting several things online in Africa.

Advantages of Airport Check-In

Airport check-in counters offer several benefits, especially for travelers who may encounter difficulties with online check-in or prefer in-person assistance. One major advantage is the ability to directly interact with airline staff, which can be helpful in resolving issues like connecting flights or baggage concerns. This face-to-face interaction provides a personalized service that ensures a smoother travel experience, making it a reliable option for many passengers.

Additionally, some airlines like ASKY may offer upgrades or last-minute changes to seating that are easier to arrange in person.

For first-time flyers or those unfamiliar with the process, having a staff member available to guide you through the check-in process can be reassuring.

Lastly, if there are problems with online check-in—such as technical glitches or issues with flight status—airport check-in ensures you still have an option to get assistance directly from the airline.

Those are the many reasons which makes me to go to the airport for check-in. As the proverb says “Prevention is better Cure”.

During peak hours, I recommend arriving early to avoid long queues. Boarding is smooth, with priority given to business class and frequent flyers.

I’ve never had an issue during check-in, and it’s truly commendable. The process has always been smooth and efficient, which makes for a more relaxed travel experience. Whether online or at the airport, ASKY Airlines ensures that passengers are well taken care of from the moment they begin the check-in process.

In-Flight Experience with ASKY airlines

• Cabin Crew: When I’ve flown with ASKY Airlines, I’ve always found the cabin crew to be friendly and professional. They greet passengers warmly and are attentive throughout the flight, making sure everyone is comfortable. While the level of service can vary depending on the route or aircraft, I’ve consistently experienced helpfulness and politeness from the staff. Whether it’s assisting with seat preferences or managing in-flight requests, they maintain a high standard of service that adds to the overall positive experience. Most of the cabin crew I’ve encountered on ASKY Airlines were bilingual, though I noticed they spoke French more fluently than English, likely because many were recruited from Togo. I also observed that the crew was diverse in gender, with a good mix of male and female attendants. What stood out to me was how ASKY seems to be redefining the traditional concept of flight attendants. Instead of adhering to the older norm of hiring only very thin women with heavy makeup, they’ve embraced a more authentic African style, hiring people of all sizes. Their brown suits, simple hairstyles, and natural looks made me appreciate how ASKY is maintaining a grounded, inclusive approach to their cabin crew.
• Meals and Beverages: Complimentary meals are served on most ASKY Airlines routes, and I’ve always enjoyed them. The food is decent, offering a blend of local and international options. On several occasions, I’ve had meals with chicken sauce and rice, bread, cheese, tea, a cup of juice, water, salad, and cake. For short flights, these meals feel quite substantial. I’ve never disembarked from an ASKY flight hungry, and the portions are always fair for me. As a picky eater, I’ve never encountered anything I couldn’t eat, and the meals are not only satisfying but also delicious..

Punctuality and Reliability

ASKY Airlines has a fair record for on-time flights. However, delays or cancellations do happen occasionally. They keep passengers updated during disruptions, which I appreciated.

I once had a flight from Liberia to Nigeria with a delay that we never quite understood. But here’s the fun twist: during our layover in Togo, ASKY went above and beyond. Instead of letting us grumble, they treated everyone to free food, a soda, and water. And when I say “food,” I mean a feast! They brought out packed meals in disposable containers, and the portion size? Let’s just say it was double, if not triple, what we usually get in those tiny airplane bowls. I happily devoured the meal and couldn’t help but admire their consideration.

Honestly, for a moment, I almost wished for more delays just for the chance to enjoy another surprise meal!

Baggage Policy at ASKY airlines

Baggage allowances depend on the route and class. Economy passengers can check one bag up to 23 kg and bring one carry-on.

I’ve always found ASKY’s baggage policy pretty fair. I’m usually able to carry two large bags weighing 46 kg in total, plus a 7 kg hand luggage. That’s always been a breeze for me.

However, one time when I flew into Sierra Leone, I had a bit of a strange experience. The zipper on one of my bags had clearly been tampered with—though nothing was stolen, thank goodness! I still don’t know whether it was the baggage handlers in Sierra Leone or the ones in Ghana where I flew from, but I’m sure ASKY had done their part in ensuring my bags were safe. I would have made a bigger fuss if anything had gone missing, but nothing did, so I let it go. It was just such a weird thing to happen—someone had cut off the zipper to avoid the padlock! A mystery I’ll never solve, but definitely one of those bizarre travel stories I won’t forget!

Business class offers more. Check the rules for your route to avoid issues.

Customer Service

Customer service is generally good. The staff is helpful at the airport. However, during busy times, reaching them can be harder.

I’ve found the staff at the Douala and Yaoundé ASKY offices to be very rude and unhelpful. They mostly speak French, so they disregard English speakers like me. Several times, I’ve had my calls blocked just because I started speaking English. Once, I contacted their WhatsApp number for help. They offered assistance, but when I asked another question later, they read my message and then blocked me.

I needed clarification about canceling a flight and a refund. The Yaoundé office said nothing could be done. But when I went to the Douala office, they canceled the flight in seconds. The refund is still pending, though. The Douala staff answered my calls and provided support, but the experience was still strange.

I recommend being extremely sure before using ASKY, at least in Cameroon.

It’s been a very mixed experience, so if you’re booking with ASKY from Cameroon, I highly recommend being absolutely certain about your plans before proceeding.

Frequent Flyer Program

The ASKY Club lets you earn and use miles. Members get perks like extra baggage, lounge access, and priority boarding.

Pros

• Convenient routes across the region. ASKY Airlines serves 27 destinations across 25 countries in West and Central Africa. These countries include popular locations like Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Kenya, along with several other nations. The airline operates a hub in Lomé, Togo, and has a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, providing further international connections.
• Friendly cabin crew.
• Complimentary meals on most flights.
• Modern planes.

Cons

• Limited entertainment options.
• Delays and cancellations happen.
• Customer service quality varies.
• Seats feel cramped on longer trips.
• Slow or no refund of cancelled flights. I’ve been waiting for a refund on a canceled flight since August 2024, and it’s starting to feel like a lost cause. Despite calling and sending reminders multiple times, I still haven’t received my money back. The process seems to be dragging on endlessly.

Conclusion

ASKY Airlines is a solid choice for regional travel. It offers reliable service and reasonable comfort. While it lacks extras found on larger carriers, it balances affordability and convenience well. I recommend ASKY Airlines for flights across West and Central Africa.

If you’re interested in reading more reviews about airlines and airports in other countries, be sure to explore the rest of my blog.