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South Africa aviation news

This is what it costs to hire a private jet in South Africa

You don’t need to own a plane to have an aircraft to yourself when you travel, with private jet charter companies offering more various hire options. Flying with a private jet offers you complete privacy and luxury, while minimising your waiting time at the airport and have you flying within minutes of your arrival. The cost of a private charter can vary considerably, depending on...

Fly Blue Crane, First Airline Founded By A Black Woman, Is Preparing For First International Takeoff

Fly Blue Crane, the first airline established by a black woman, is already spreading its wings and expanding onto bigger and better horizons. Launched by CEO Siza Mzimela in September 2015, the airline has been operating domestically in South Africa since its inception. However, Fly Blue Crane will be taking off for its first international flight on May 13 with service between Cape Town and Windho...

These are the best airports in South Africa

The 2016 edition of the World Airport Awards has revealed which South African airport has been rated the top flight hub in the country. Cape Town International Airport has reclaimed the top spot in the country, ranked 22nd overall (up from 26th in 2015), pushing past Joburg’s OR Tambo which held the number one position for the past two years. OR Tambo was ranked 30th, overall, down fro...

SA opens solar-powered airport

Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has congratulated the Department of Transport on the official opening of South Africa’s - and Africa’s - first solar-powered airport in George. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters launched the project that is spearheaded by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) at a special ceremony in the city on Friday. Most of the airport’s en...

Citibank cancels South African Airways loan

Citibank has cancelled a ZAR250 million (USD15 million) loan facility to South African Airways, reported The Africa Report. "We are aware that Citi has cancelled a 250 million rand facility to SAA and are working closely with SAA on the issue to make sure there's sufficient liquidity. We are unable to comment further," treasury spokeswoman Phumza Macanda said.   The c...

Two dead in South African Cessna crash

Two women have died after a Cessna 182 crashed into the Outeniqua mountains in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, ENCA reports. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that the aircraft crashed near Hankey.   Also on board was the pilot, who was airlifted to Greenacres Hospital in Port Elzabeth and is currently in critical condition, and a small dog, who survive...

Star Alliance Welcomes Friends of the Family

South African Airways subsidiary Mango Airlines plans to join the Star Alliance network by the third quarter of 2016 under Star’s new “Connecting Partner Model,” concept, potentially paving the way for more budget carriers to enter the 28-airline alliance. Star Alliance made the announcement at its annual Chief Executives Board meeting in Chicago on December 10. With the...

SkyWise attempt to sell off 50% of shares

SkyWise launched an attempt to raise ZAR150 million (USD10.44 million) by selling a 50% stake in the airline. The LCC looked to sell 1,500 shares valued ZAR100 000 (USD6,961) last week, with a minimum of ten to be acquired by each investor.   SkyWise was grounded this month for the second time in three months after failing to settle ZAR8 million (USD556,856) in outstanding fees to...

Star Alliance is set to expand its network under 'hybrid' model

Star Alliance is set to expand its network reach with the launch of its Connecting Partner Model. Under this new concept, routes operated by “low-cost” and “hybrid” airlines will be able to connect to the Alliance network. This will allow customers of Star Alliance member carriers to select from an even wider choice of destinations and flights. “With this inno...

First Fatal Accident of an Eclipse Bizjet Reported

South African aviation agency officials have started their investigation into Monday’s crash of an EclipseEA500. The accident, the first fatal mishap involving the very light jet, killed the owner-pilot, 57-year-old South African businessman Kobus Dicks. When he took ownership of the aircraft in 2013, it was the first Eclipse to be registered in the African continent. The aircra...

Ernst and Young forensics tables report on South African Airways procurement investigation

This week Ernst and Young forensics tabled with the SAA Board, its draft report in respect of the procurement investigation at SAA. This report is the first of a number of investigations that will examine specific areas of the business that will identify reasons for the company’s unprofitable trading. The report that is currently being studied by the Board will be follow...

Skywise Airline Suspended

After weeks of speculation on the state of the airline, Skywise Airline has been suspended from operating at any Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) airports The budget airline was previously temporarily grounded over a payment dispute with ACSA and the Air Traffic and Navigation Systems. The December suspension however relates to unpaid airport charges. "Airports Company South...