KSD has cordially welcomed a new low-cost airline that is to service the route between Mthatha and Johannesburg from Wednesday, 05 October 2016. To have some experience of the new airline service, a delegation of government VIPs flew in Fly Blue Crane from East London Airport to Mthatha Airport. The delegation included MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Ms Weziwe Tikana, Social Development MEC, Ms Nancy Sihlwayi, former Buffalo City Metro Executive Mayor, Ms Zukiswa Ncitha and KSD Executive Mayor, Cllr Dumani Zozo.
Fly Blue Crane CEO, Ms Siza Mzimela said “we saw an opportunity to provide a choice to people flying between Mthatha and Johannesburg as there was no competition but only a flight costing up to R6000 return. We are introducing a new hybrid model with low costs but good quality.” KSD Executive Mayor, Cllr Dumani Zozo applauded the opportunity offered by Fly Blue Crane saying, “this new airline with low fares will undoubtedly boost investment and tourism in our area. More people will fly in and out to visit Hole in the Wall, Port St Johns and the Nelson Mandela Museum.”
OR Tambo Business Chamber Chairman, Vuyisile Ntlabati also applauded the arrival of the “long awaited” airline. He alluded that “people would drive to East London for more affordable options. The absence of low-cost flights between Mthatha and Johannesburg hindered possible investments and economic development. We excited that this airline will open doors to investors to identify investment opportunities, we have been long waiting for an affordable airline,” he concluded. Provincial Transport MEC, Ms Weziwe Tikana, addressing a large audience of community members and government stakeholders at the airport also welcomed the new airline which costs only R799 one way. She said “this launch was prearranged to coincide with the first day of the National Transport Month and this airline will help minimise the accidents on our roads.”
OR Tambo Business Chamber Chairman, Vuyisile Ntlabati also applauded the arrival of the “long awaited” airline. He alluded that “people would drive to East London for more affordable options. The absence of low-cost flights between Mthatha and Johannesburg hindered possible investments and economic development. We excited that this airline will open doors to investors to identify investment opportunities, we have been long waiting for an affordable airline,” he concluded.
Provincial Transport MEC, Ms Weziwe Tikana, addressing a large audience of community members and government stakeholders at the airport also welcomed the new airline which costs only R799 one way. She said “this launch was prearranged to coincide with the first day of the National Transport Month and this airline will help minimise the accidents on our roads.”