Federal Airlines has signed a purchase agreement with Textron Aviation for six new Cessna Caravans C208B EX aircraft.
Commenting on the announcement, Federal Airlines (FedAir) CEO, Mark Hurst, said: “The recovery of aviation and tourism in the southern African region has been significant in the post-pandemic period. Investing in the latest, most modern aircraft with enhanced technology, reliability, performance, and comfort levels is key to us at Federal Airlines to ensure that we grow and deliver our leading shuttle flight and charter services to lodges and key leisure destinations in the region.”
FedAir has become a leading air service provider flying shuttles out to some of Africa’s luxury safari lodges. It operates out of its own exclusive African-themed terminal departure lounge.
Hurst added: “The new six Cessna C208B EX aircraft will complement our existing fleet of Cessna Caravan aircraft, Beechcraft 1900 and Pilatus PC12, providing a versatile and reliable fleet to operate on our shuttle and charter flights network.”
He said FedAir was investing over US$18 million (R303m) as part of its strategy to support the development of travel and tourism. “This demonstrates our commitment to growth and the industry as a whole. Investing in our expansion is something our worldwide travel and tourism trade partners, many of whom are global leaders in luxury safari experiences, will welcome as demand for African vacations skyrockets.”
South Africa currently has the third-largest base of Cessna Caravans in Africa.
“We’re pleased that FedAir has selected the Cessna Grand Caravan EX as its aircraft of choice to support its growing customer base in South Africa,” said Neville Fahy, Vice President of Regional Sales, Textron Aviation.
“The Cessna Caravan platform offers the performance and impressive cargo capabilities commuter operators desire, while providing the comfort and cabin features passengers appreciate, making it an excellent choice for serving FedAir’s operations.”
Federal Airlines specialises in linking lodges and key tourist destinations in the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Northern Sabi Sands and Madikwe from Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Shuttle flights in and out of Kruger connect customers on to flights to Victoria Falls operated by sister company fastjet on Embraer ERJ145 aircraft. Fastjet provides scheduled flights in the region, which includes flights from Victoria Falls to Maun in Botswana.
