Pro Jet Africa has initiated private charters across South Africa and also has plans to fly intra-continentally when borders open.

Nik Lloyd-Roberts, Commercial Manager and pilot at Pro Jet Africa, says the company received its air operating certificate roughly a month ago and officially launched operations on September 16, operating charters throughout South Africa.

So far, these operations have included flying a family of 12 to a high-end safari lodge in the Timbavati; operating charters for a group of corporates that needed to travel from Johannesburg to East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in one day; and

flying a child to Malelane to play golf with a member of the Protea cricket team in association with Dan Nicholl from Super Sport and Reach for a Dream.

The company has a licence to operate to any destination on the continent, says Lloyd-Roberts, adding the opening of borders will facilitate cross-border charters. He foresees popular routes including the Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Maun and Cape Town.

Pro Jet Africa’s operations are based out of Fireblade Aviation FBO, a private facility about 10km from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Lloyd-Roberts points out that it is the only private facility in SA with onsite customs and immigration, which allows for seamless international connections out of the facility.

Fireblade also offers bathroom and shower facilities, a spa and fitness centre as well as conference facilities.

Lloyd-Roberts suggests private charters are uniquely attractive today because they offer a more private experience, especially for families and groups that wish to travel alone.

Pro Jet Africa’s fleet of six aircraft includes two Beechcraft King Air 200s, a Beechcraft King Air 250, Beechcraft King Air 350i, and a Cessna Grand Caravan.