ESWATINI AIR BAGS AIRLINE OF THE YEAR AWARD
By BONGIWE DLAMINI | 2024-11-20
HARD work has paid off for Eswatini Air as it has been recognised and awarded for being the best improved in intra-Africa connectivity for 2023 operations.
Eswatini Air was recognised under the Airline of the Year award which is an accolade that was handed to the airline during the 56th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly and Summit that was held from November 17 to November 19, 2024.
The event was held in Cairo, Egypt.
AFRAA developed a connectivity index which measures the level of possible international connections at African airports and the evolution of connectivity over a specified period of time.
The connectivity index is a useful tool to determine the level of intra-African connectivity and provide a ranking of the best performing airports in terms of connectivity, an area where Eswatini Air did exceptionally well in 2023, hence the award.
Eswatini Air’s first flight took to the skies in March 2023. Since then, Eswatini Air has non-stop flights from King Mswati III (KM III) International Airport to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Apart from these, the airline also offers smooth and seamless travel via KM III International Airport throughout its route network.
These include same day connections in both directions between Durban and Harare, Durban and Johannesburg, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Harare and Johannesburg, as well as Durban and Cape Town.
Eswatini Air Board Chairman, Mndeni Mazibuko, when receiving the prestigious award in Egypt, said the accolade was testament to the visionary leadership of His Majesty’s government to build a robust and sustainable aviation sector.
He, on behalf of Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, appreciated the AFRAA for recognising the strides Eswatini Air has made in improving intra-Africa connectivity.
“This accolade is meaningful because it celebrates one of the core pillars of African unity – connectivity. Intra-African connectivity is a necessity for economic transformation and the empowerment of citizenry as a whole,” stated Mazibuko.
He also stated that the achievement was not just the result of strategic planning and operational excellence, but also a result of collaboration and trust.
“We owe this success to the hardworking employees of Eswatini Air, the unwavering support of the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the loyal passengers who continue to choose and trust us as their carrier.
“Eswatini Air commends AFRAA for its advocacy in enhancing air connectivity across Africa and facilitating information exchange through various forums.
We also appreciate its efforts to make air travel more affordable and support the sustainability of African airlines, particularly through initiatives like the AFRAA Fuel Partnership Programme,” added Mazibuko.
He concluded by expressing Eswatini Air’s excitement about future collaborations that will further strengthen the industry.
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