Federal Airlines has purchased its own Pilatus PC-12.
Prior to November, Federal Air had leased their PC-12s, but with its suitability for flights to bush lodges and often unimproved airstrips, the airline decided to invest in its own aircraft.
“The acquisition forms part of the airline’s long-term strategy to purchase aircraft, first of which was the PC-12,” says Nik Lloyd-Roberts, Commercial Manager.
Ideal for landing on short or dirt airstrips, the PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop aircraft, designed for multiple roles and to deliver equal performance to twin-engine aircraft.
It is one of the few pressurized turbine-powered aircraft capable of operating from rough landing strips.
Federal Airlines has configured their PC-12 to accommodate nine passengers in a comfortable commuter configuration, with a baggage area at the rear of the cabin.
The aircraft will be used for both charters and the shuttle service provided to between 130 and 150 lodges in South Africa and neighbouring countries, including Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.
The current twice-weekly service to Buffalo Ridge in Zimbabwe is to be expanded.
Countries further north are serviced by the charter division.
Daily shuttles are offered to the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Manyaleti and Madikwe Private Game Reserves.