Eswatini Air Readies for Launch After Securing AOC
- Eswatini Air has obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
- The airline is preparing to launch but has not set a date yet.
- CEO Qiniso Dhlamini is optimistic about securing necessary permits soon.
- Eswatini Air aims to operate routes to Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
- The airline will provide ground-handling services to other carriers.
Eswatini Air Prepares for Takeoff with AOC in Hand
Eswatini Air, the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Eswatini, is gearing up for its official launch following the receipt of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in December. However, the airline has yet to announce a specific commencement date for its operations. The announcement came via a post on their official Facebook page, where they mentioned that only a few logistical issues remained to be sorted before the flight schedule could be published. This suggests that the airline is making significant strides toward becoming fully operational, although much remains uncertain at this point.
Operational Permits Central to Eswatini Air Launch
In a media statement issued on December 31, 2022, Qiniso Dhlamini, the CEO of Eswatini Air, indicated that the next step involves securing permits from the aviation authorities in all the countries where the airline plans to operate. Dhlamini is optimistic that an operational date will soon be revealed as they finalize these essential authorizations. It’s worth noting that back in October, there were unexpected delays in obtaining the AOC, which forced the carrier to postpone its launch to 2023. This indicates a challenging landscape for new entrants looking to navigate the complexities of aviation regulations in Africa.
Ambitious Flight Plans and Ground Services
Plan for the airline appears quite ambitious, as it intends to operate direct flights from the Manzini King Mswati III International Airport to major cities, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, as well as Harare. Equipped with a modest fleet of two Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, Eswatini Air aims to carve a niche in regional air travel. Furthermore, it’s interesting to note that the airline is also set to provide ground-handling services to other carriers. This will involve managing customer interactions, selling jet fuel, and assisting with the dispatching and handling of inbound and outbound flights, establishing a new player in both the air travel and logistics sectors.
In summary, Eswatini Air is on the verge of launching its operations with the recent acquisition of its AOC. The airline is actively working to secure operating permits, and while the launch date remains uncertain, there are plans for direct flights to key cities. Additionally, Eswatini Air will provide crucial ground-handling services, marking its entry into the aviation market as a multi-faceted service provider.
