Federal Air now flies daily between Ulundi and Pietermaritzburg
Federal Air has added yet another route to their ever-expanding Shuttle Services. Flights between Pietermaritzburg’s Oribi Airport and Ulundi’s Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport will commence on 28 March 2012.
After calls from the Zululand District Municipality for a preferred airline, strong interest was shown by various airlines in getting a foothold on this important regional route. Following an intense three-way bidding process, Federal Air emerged as the preferred airline for the airport in October 2011; largely due to the airline’s flexibility and wide experience in more remote parts of Africa.
Known for their pioneering spirit, Federal Air’s core expertise lies in establishing partnerships to build new destinations and provide access to areas not currently serviced by the aviation community. With an extensive fleet of robust aircraft and a team of highly experienced pilots, Federal Air has a sound track record of operating in remote parts of Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport has recently undergone multimillion rand civil and procedural upgrades which have brought the airport back to the required aviation standards in safety and facilities. These renovations have included relaying of the main runway, installation of navigational instruments, upgrading of fire and rescue equipment and refurbishing of the terminal building and arrivals lounge. Upgrades have also included the latest in navigational instrumentation, equipping the airport to accommodate flights in all weather conditions. The airport is now a domestic gateway into Zululand and can accommodate 737 aircraft.
The existing road infrastructure within Ulundi is very limited, and according to research in previous years, more than 30 000 people and 6 000 government cars use the road into and out of Ulundi each month. This, coupled with the ever-rising costs of fuel and excessive travel time to drive from Ulundi to Pietermaritzburg, makes air travel the fastest and most efficient option for commuters.
Extensive research has been done by the Zululand District and Federal Air in order to ensure that the demands of passengers needing the flight service are met. This also included a series of successful trial flights undertaken last year, which were very well received.
Says Troy Reiser, managing director of Federal Air: “We are excited to extend our shuttle service offering to include the Ulundi – Pietermaritzburg route. We foresee that the upgraded Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport will provide the launch pad for an increase in development, travel and tourism into the region. It is a vital initiative and we are committed to meet the demands of travellers to and from the region, with a travel experience that is seamless.”
Four flights daily from Monday to Friday will be available; and depending on the demand on the route, this may also include stops at Durban’s Virginia Airport in the future.
Flight bookings are open and can be made online at www.fedair.com via email to info@fedair.com or call 011 395 9000 for reservations.
