The South African airline industry is constantly changing. Here are a few of the latest developments from this week:
Mango Airlines:
Mango airlines announced that they will increase flight frequency between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth by about 55% from October this year. This means that there will be flights between these cities on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The new schedule will be released later this week.
FlySafair:
After reconstructing their shareholding to meet the requirement for 75% domestic ownership, FlySafair has finally been granted a domestic air service license for the operation of scheduled domestic flights. No official announcements has been made with regards to when their first flight will lift-off. We’ll keep you posted.
Virgin Atlantic Flight Specials between SA and the UK:
Virgin Atlantic Airways is offering special fares on their Premium Economy Class flights from South Africa to the United Kingdom. Their Premium Economy Class includes extra leg room, comfortable leather seats, delicious meals served on fine china washed off with wine or liqueur and more entertainment options. Prices start at as little as R18 003 and is valid for bookings made before 30 April for Outbound Travel from 17 April to 20 June 2014.
Heathrow Strike:
In related news, Heathrow Express is bracing for a 48 hour strike on the 29 April 2014. Members are planning a walkout at 03h00 on the 29th. Heathrow announced that they hope to resolve the dispute around the restructuring but that they do have a contingency plan in case it isn’t resolved.
Emirates to reduce SA – Dubai flights
Due to scheduled runway rehabilitation at Dubai International Airport scheduled flights from Dubai to Cape Town and Johannesburg will be reduced to one and two a day respectively. Durban’s single flight a day will remain unaffected. These schedule changes are only valid between 1 May and 20 July 2014 and flight schedules will return to normal.
