EFFECTIVE June 18, Air Madagascar will resume flights between Johannesburg and Antananarivo with a twiceweekly schedule using a B737-800. Flights will depart from Johannesburg on Tuesdays and Sundays at 07h30, arriving in Antananarivo (TNR) at 11h25. Flights return on Mondays and Sundays departing from Antananarivo at 15h05 and arriving in Johannesburg at 17h25. Flights are loaded in the GDSs and open for bookings, with fares starting at R9 307, inclusive of taxes. Fares are valid from June 18 until further notice (non-seasonal fare).
Border Air has been appointed Air Madagascar’s representative in South Africa with immediate effect. Air Madagascar stopped flying to South Africa in 2015. Lu Dowell, ceo of Border Air, says the airline underwent a process of rationalisation at that time and reduced its network, withdrawing certain routes. However, late in 2017 Air Austral acquired 49% of Air Madagascar, putting the airline in a position to expand its network again. “SA is a key market. With new structures in place, Air Madagascar is now in a better position to support the route and market, concentrating on growth,” she says. An SA island specialist says an additional carrier is
welcome, and he hopes the additional capacity will lead to more competitive airfares. He says Airlink has operated a monopoly on the direct route for the last few years. The source says Madagascar is currently substantially more expensive than Mauritius and Zanzibar, from both an airfare and hotel costing perspective. He says in low season, flights to MRU and ZNZ generally range between R5 000 and R7 000 while the TNR airfares were closer to the R10 000 mark. “Luckily Madagascar is perceived as a bucket-list destination, which continues to attract less price-sensitive clients to its shores, who are drawn to its unique wildlife and natural attractions.
Hello, Air Madagascar
Comments | 0
