Mango announces bumper festive season

MANGO has reported bumper festive season numbers, achieving load factors averaging 96% over December and an average 3% increase in traveller numbers for the 2009 calendar year. According to the airline, it has also experienced a surge in travel interest since the World Cup final draw in December. Also following the final draw in Cape Town on December 4 last year, the airline said it had experienced a surge in enquiries and bookings for flights during the tournament. “The majority thus far have been from tour groups,” says Nico Bezuidenhout, Mango ceo. He said that over and above scheduled bookings, a significant number of late-night charters had been secured. “It seems travel between matches and home bases apply as much to teams as it does to fans.” Bezuidenhout expects the trend to continue saying that Mango will announce additional scheduled capacity soon. Jeanette Phillips (jeanettep@nowmedia.co.za)