Eswatini Air Poised to Launch as A New Airline Offering
- Eswatini Air has secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
- The airline is finalizing logistics ahead of its launch date.
- CEO Qiniso Dhlamini discusses operational permits for future flights.
- Direct flights planned to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
- The airline will offer ground-handling services to other carriers.
Eswatini Air Secures AOC and Prepares to Launch
Eswatini Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Eswatini, is gearing up for its initiation into the aviation market. The carrier successfully secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in December and is now in the process of final preparations for its launch, but specific dates are still pending. A recent announcement made on the airline’s Facebook page conveyed that only a few logistical matters remain to be sorted out, emphasizing how close they are to unveiling their operational schedule.
CEO Highlights Next Steps for Eswatini Air
Qiniso Dhlamini, the CEO of Eswatini Air, shed light on the next steps in a media statement released on December 31, 2022. He explained that obtaining operating permits from aviation authorities in the countries where the airline plans to fly is the final hurdle before they can finalize their operations. Previously, the airline had faced unexpected delays in securing its AOC, which postponed the launch schedule to sometime in 2023. This has evidently been a complex journey, one they are eager to solidify soon with an official start date.
Routes and Services Planned by Eswatini Air
The airline aims to provide direct services from the Manzini King Mswati III International Airport to several major destinations, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, as well as Harare. They plan to operate a fleet consisting of two Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. Notably, the airline is also authorized to offer ground-handling services to other carriers. These services entail customer engagement, jet fuel sales, and managing both arriving and departing flights. Given that South Africa is Eswatini’s largest trading partner, this connectivity could greatly enhance trade opportunities and overall economic benefits for the kingdom.
Eswatini Air is making important strides towards operational readiness with the issuance of its Air Operator Certificate, which marks a significant step in its journey towards launching flights. Operating under the leadership of CEO Qiniso Dhlamini, the airline is focusing on acquiring necessary permits that will enable it to kick off flights to destinations like Johannesburg and Durban. Furthermore, with its capacity to provide ground-handling services, Eswatini Air is set to play a dual role in the region’s aviation sector while enhancing trade connectivity with South Africa.
