South Africa’s biggest airline launches new route – Times and prices

FlySafair, South Africa’s biggest airline, has launched a new route between Lanseria International Airport in Gauteng and George Airport in the Western Cape.

This new route will provide passengers with more travel options and convenience, enhancing connectivity between South Africa’s economic hub and one of the country’s top holiday and semigration hotspots.

“Following our commitment to expand and optimize our network, we are thrilled to introduce this new route,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.

“We have seen a growing demand for travel between Lanseria and George, and we are pleased to offer our customers more choices and flexibility.”

FlySafair’s new Lanseria to George route will operate on the following schedule:

• Flight FA 356 – Departs Lanseria at 10h10, arrives in George at 12h20
• Flight FA 357 – Departs George at 12h55, arrives at Lanseria at 14h55

Flights will take place daily at these stipulated times, and tickets are available from R1,162, said the operator.

The small town of George is billed as the gateway to the greater Garden Route area, nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain.

It also has the closest airport to the popular towns of Knysna, Groot Brak, and Oudtshoorn.

“This new route will assist both business and leisure travellers in exploring these beautiful regions,” said Gordon.

FlySafair gets a lifeline

FlySafair recently came under fire for its ownership structure, which the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) deemed to be in contravention of the Air Services Licensing Act.

Local regulations stipulate that registered domestic airlines may have no more than 25% foreign shareholding.

However, the IASC believes that approximately 74.86% of FlySafair shares are owned by ASL Aviation Holding, an Ireland-based company focused on cargo and passenger airline operations serving over 150 airports worldwide.

FlySafair announced in February that it has been given a 12-month grace period in which to rectify its ownership structure.

During this time, it indicated that everything will be business as usual.

“At this stage, we are pleased that there is no threat to our ability to operate and that we can keep our focus on our customers,” said Gordon.

“Customers can continue booking and flying with confidence, knowing that FlySafair remains fully operational while we address this matter.”