FlyAfrica expects to finally launch flights today.
The new airline’s inaugural flight was cancelled on July 23, following a decision by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to revoke the airline’s South African pilots’ validation to fly.
FlyAfrica CEO, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, told Tourism Update the revocation was completely unexpected. He said the day before it was all systems go but at 20h00 that evening, the airline received word from the CAAZ that they wouldn’t be allowed to fly.
“We are working carefully with the authorities to meet all the new requirements that they have given us. We are convinced that we will meet these requirements and be ready to launch flights on Friday [August 1],” Adrian said.
“Our primary concern has been our passengers and re-accommodating them on other flights,” he added.
Flyafrica moved quickly to assist affected passengers. Editor of Southern African Tourism Update, Tessa Reed, was booked on a flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls on July 23, returning on July 27. “FlyAfrica re-accommodated us on a flight the same day as well as on the return. The airline was very apologetic and kept us updated at every stage,” she says.
Passengers have also been given a credit to fly on another flyafrica.com flight at a later date of their choice.
Flyafrica – down but not out
Flyafrica – down but not out
01 Aug 2014 - by Natasha Schmidt
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