FLYSAFAIR has not yet
begun operations but has
already added a third route
to its network, between Cape
Town and George. Services will
begin when the low-cost carrier
launches its first flights on
October 16.
The Cape Town-George
route will be on sale from
R399 one way.
FlySafair ceo, Dave
Andrew, says: “As part of our
commitment to keeping ticket
prices as low as possible
and to make flying accessible
for the general population,
our strategy includes offering
affordable fares on routes that
were previously dominated by
high prices.”
Monica Horn, product
manager of Harvey World
Travel franchise support team,
says the service between Cape
Town and George may take
a while to gain traction and
could be viewed as seasonal.
However, she says: “The Cape
Town to Johannesburg and
PE routes are certain to be
popular.”
As for the absence of Durban
on the airline’s domestic
network, Monica believes the
Johannesburg-Durban route is
already saturated and is easily
driveable from Johannesburg
for leisure travellers. “Cape
Town to Durban could be a
consideration,” she says.
“We look forward to further
route additions in time to
come that connect the hubs.”
FlySafair has not indicated
what its plans are – if any –
for Durban flights.
The airline’s model, which
follows that of international
low-cost carriers, is new to
South Africa. Passengers pay a
base rate that secures a seat
on the flight with two pieces of
carry-on luggage not exceeding
7kg in total. If passengers
require any extras, such as
checked baggage, these will
be charged for.
“It is a departure in pricing
models from the more
entrenched carriers operating
locally, but follows a true lowcost
carrier model successful
in many countries overseas.
For our price sensitive
customers it’s great – they
choose what they want and
understand that this will alter
the ticket price,” says Monica.
She adds that the model
could suit SME clients well,
especially when travelling to
and from a destination in
one day.
Although it is still early
days, Monica says it would
be great to offer customers
more choice for domestic
destinations both in terms of
schedules and pricing. But
she adds: “While FlySafair has
been born out of a successful
airline logistics, leasing and
charter company, Safair,
we still need to see proven
operation, i.e. an aircraft in the
air before we consider fully,
actively promoting them.
