CemAir – KwaZulu- Natal’s South Coast’s local airline is growing bigger and bolder
In a recent statement by CemAir, unprecedented growth and demand have seen the need to bring in a 36 seater plane, to replace the 19 seater which has previously serviced the coast via direct flights from OR Tambo. Says Ugu South Coast Tourism’s CEO Mr Justin Mackrory `We attended CemAir’s birthday on the 1st November celebrating their first anniversary. Who would have thought that in such a small space of time, that growth to this extent could have happened so fast? We would further like to congratulate CemAir on the vision and confidence in the South Coast as a destination, not only for servicing leisure travellers requirements, but for also bringing in an increasing number of business and conference opportunities. The MICE market has previously been largely untapped and already we are starting to see investment opportunities and increased spend in the area as a result’.
CemAir Statement:
Commuter and Regional carrier, CemAir (IATA code 5Z) is delighted to announce the purchase and delivery of its first Bombardier Dash-8 aircraft. The aircraft will be entering commercial service just in time for the December holiday season on the Cemair Margate and Plettenberg Bay schedules.
The Dash 8 is an exceptional aircraft with 36 seats and the technical performance to operate from municipal and regional airports with limited runway length. The four-abreast cabin has full sized overhead stowage for cabin baggage and a full service cabin with flight attendant and galley. The aircraft is scheduled to touch down in South Africa for the first time on Saturday 8 November 2014 from the USA.
“This is a very exciting development and one which will allow us to further expand our reach in the domestic schedule market and beyond. We hope this will be the first of many Dash 8’s to join our operation over the coming years. This acquisition will create further opportunities for development for people within CemAir as well as those looking to join our fine team,” say Miles van der Molen, CEO of CemAir.
CemAir will be retiring their fleet of 1900C’s which have operated for more than eight years and for thousands of hours. These aircraft have served CemAir well and have worked across the map from Sudan to Afghanistan.
CemAir, Established in 2005, is the owner and operator of twenty aircraft across the African continent and Middle East. Based at OR Tambo International Airport, CemAir operates a scheduled airline service from OR
Tambo to Margate, Plettenberg Bay/Cape Town and Kathu (Sishen) in the Northern Cape.
Cemair recently announced a full content distribution agreement with Travelport, a leading Travel Commerce Platform. The agreement provides Travelport-connected agents worldwide with access to CemAir’s full content including its web fares.
CemAir is focused on maintaining international aviation standards and is accredited with leading aviation safety approvals including The Flight Safety Foundation’s Basic Aviation Risk Standard and a HART Aviation Standard.
CemAir owns a fleet of 9 Beech 1900 twin turbo-propeller aircraft (19 seater), 10 Canadair CRJ regional Jets (50 seater) and 1 Bombardier Dash 8.
Submitted by: Nikki Tilley, Marketing and Events Specialist, Ugu South Coast Tourism