IT'S not a charter, not a daily air service nor a flight schedule but it does service a number of airstrips in the Zululand and Maputaland region and can fly from one to 30 people to dedicated airstrips in the region whenever the need arises.
Utilised mainly by lodges and tour operators, the Zululand Flying Service launched its inaugural flight on July 29 this year, reports Dean Foster, manager of African Bundu Safaris - the sole booking company for the new service.
Zululand Flying Service uses Durban-based company, Federal Air's charter planes Cessna 206, a Cessna 402 and a Grand Caravan.
Based at the Virginia Airport in Durban North, KwaZulu Natal (KZN), Zululand Flying Service flies to Richards Bay, Hluhluwe, Phinda. Manzengwenya, Manguzi, Ndumo, Mkuze as well as Mkuze Falls, Thula Thula, Dukaduka, White Elephant and Tembe airstrips.
"We do not have a fixed timetable and we fly a different route each time as flights are scheduled according to which airstrips are used."
Foster says Federal Air, which has been operating since 1989, is KZN's largest private air charter company and has recently introduced a new direct service from Johannesburg International Airport to the Sabi Sand private game reserves of Londolozi, Ngala, Phelwane and Singita in Mpumalanga.
(Adéle Mackenzie)
