King Phalo Airport in East London has welcomed the start of FlyCemAir’s launch of its four flights a week between Cape Town and East London.
The flights began on Thursday, April 6.
“The launch of FlyCemAir air services to East London is a welcome addition to King Phalo Airport, improving the much-needed capacity on one of South Africa’s most popular routes – East London to Cape Town,” said Local Airport Manager, Nicola Smith.
The Cemair services will grow air connectivity in the region. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, King Phalo Airport handled 20 to 30 flights a day, and was serviced by five airlines - Airlink; FlySafair; Kulula; SAA and SAX.
The introduction of FlyCemAir’s flights means the airport will be servicing up to 20 flights a day.
Lizelle Maurice, Border Kei Chamber of Business CEO said: “We extend our warmest welcome to FlyCemAir. The launch of the new route is significant to the region, as it stimulates our tourism and business sectors. East London has many untapped opportunities, and through this additional airline, we trust that these will be further unlocked. As the business sector, we pledge our full support and look forward to the growth of the airline in our region”
Smith said King Phalo Airport is ready to service the additional capacity that this route will bring and it has embarked on an infrastructure maintenance programme which will be implemented in a phased approached.
“This will ensure ease of movement in and out of the airport facilities and enhance over-all passenger and visitor experience,” she highlighted.
Smith added: “Domestic travel contributes substantially to Airport Company South Africa’s airport network traffic. Air services continue to play a vital role in the province, and we are excited to drive East London is a destination of choice connecting people to places, dreams and opportunities.”
