FlySafair aims to reconsolidate its operations this year. Image: File
Breaking borders? Low-cost carrier to offer SA flights to Mauritius
Privately owned local budget airline FlySafair will launch its first international route in the next few weeks.
FlySafair aims to reconsolidate its operations this year. Image: File
South Africans have not only another island within reach but will also enjoy an additional choice of airlines when travelling to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. FlySafair will be starting up flights between South Africa and the island of Mauritius in December, just in time for the peak December holidays.
“Mauritius holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans, and we’re so looking forward to offering flights just in time for the December holiday season,” FlySafair’s CEO Elmar Conradie said, quoted in BusinessInsider.
FIRST CROSS BORDER ROUTE FOR FLYSAFAIR
Earlier this year FlySafair obtained approval to operate flights between South Africa and Mauritius but the slump in demand for travel as well as Mauritius’ lengthy travel ban – which has now been lifted – forced FlySafair to push back the startup date for its first route outside of South Africa’s borders.
“In just about 7 years we’ve managed to gain a fairly strong footprint in the South African domestic market. Finally breaking beyond local borders is an exciting milestone for us,” Conradie said.
The route was operated by South African Airways, Air Mauritius and British Airways (operated by Comair) prior to the onset of the pandemic, and Mauritius’ extended border closure.
FLYSAFAIR: NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Both British Airways and Air Mauritius will operate their full service scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Mauritius from next month. Newcomer FlySafair will be launching its low-cost branded scheduled services on the route from 11 December.
These direct flights have a flying time of approximately four hours. The first flight on this new route departs Johannesburg on 11 December. FlySafair will operate flights to Mauritius twice a week using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
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