Mohahlaula Airlines has announced it’s intention to launch a local Lesotho airline within the next year. Initially it will service the popular Maseru to Johannesburg route, with plans to expand into more South African destinations.
Seizing the gap in the market
Phafane Nkotsi, Chief Executive Officer of Mohahlaula Airlines, says, “We are thrilled to announce our intention to launch Mohahlaula Airlines over the next year or so. It’s a service desperately required by Lesotho as the country grows economically and tourism picks up after the pandemic. We are looking forward to playing an essential role in driving Lesotho’s socio-economic growth.”
During the past two years, the company has been operating private charters and cargo flights in and out of Maseru. Now, as borders open up post-lockdown, there is a growing demand for affordable and convenient travel.
“It’s a service desperately required by Lesotho as the country grows economically and tourism picks up after the pandemic. We are looking forward to playing an essential role in driving Lesotho’s socio-economic growth.”
Lesotho does not currently have a local carrier, after Lesotho Airways and Maluti Sky both ended flying operations in 1996 and 2017 respectively.
Mohahlaula Airlines is in a strong position to fill this gap. It is one of two Lesotho companies holding an airline operating certificate, which allows it to apply for and operate a fully-fledged local airline out of Maseru.
It’s more than just an airline
Nkotsi’s vision for the airline is larger than simply ferrying people across borders. He says, “Mohahlaula is a local first airline, meaning that not only will we connect locals to business and leisure opportunities outside of Lesotho, but we will open up employment opportunities for locals wanting to get into aviation. We will also launch an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) beginning of quarter one, 2023. This opens a whole new world for locals.”
The airline will operate three Embraer 145 aircrafts, a widely used commuter carrier which can carry 45-50 passengers at a time.
“This is an exciting time for Lesotho’s aviation industry and most importantly for the Lesotho traveling public who will now have a choice to fly on a local Lesotho airline that is competitively priced, convenient and reliable.” Nkotsi concludes.
Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash
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