Khuphuka Kings Airways, a new airline offering cargo flights from Durban’s Dube Trade Port, plans to launch passenger services later this year on routes it believes are “untapped”.
Marketing Director, Sihle Bam, says the plan is to launch scheduled and charter flights from Durban to Swaziland, Nigeria, and the DRC. “We have prioritised cargo for the initial phase and this will give a stable foundation to build on for passenger flights in the next phase,” says Bam. The passenger flights will be operated with a 150-seat Airbus A319 and a 180-seat Airbus A320. 
In February, Khuphuka introduced its cargo flights between Durban and Lubumbashi via Ndola. The airline was founded in Durban, which is where the head office and main operations team are located. 
“We have done some extensive groundwork to start cargo routes to these destinations. It makes sense for us to therefore extend these routes into passenger flights as well.” 
Bam adds that Khuphuka Kings Airways aims to create “easy travel” on routes where there is currently a shortage of services, particularly in Africa. “For any business to succeed in a competitive environment, it must target areas where the demand exceeds the current supply,” he says.
The airline’s launch is set for September. Khuphuka is in the process of acquiring the necessary aviation certification and hopes to have the process completed in the next six months. But Bam says the airline has made an interim arrangement to fly with temporary permits while the AOC process is under way.