Major Blue takes to the skies

Pauline Dikuelo | Friday December 12, 2014 12:57

 

Mmegi: When did you start operating in Kasane?

McAllister: Major Blue Air was established in 2006. Our main base is in Maun and with the high demand and number of tourists travelling from Kasane we chose to base an aircraft in Kasane.

Mmegi: What does Major Blue Airlines do?

McAllister: Major Blue Air offers non-schedules charter services throughout the SADC region and our main line of business is transfers into the Okavango Delta and surrounding areas.

We have a few options for our guests travelling, from a tailor made quote for private charter requests as well as seat rates for inter-camp transfers. We also offer scenic flights over the Okavango Delta and the Chobe area.

Mmegi: How many and what kind of aircraft do you have in your fleet?

McAllister: We operate nine aircraft in our fleet and are planning to expand the fleet further. We have 2 x Cessna 172’s (seats 3 guests), 1 x Cessna C206 (seats 5 guests), 4 x GA8 Airvan’s (7-seater), 1 x Cessna C208 (12-seater) and a HS125 Hawker 800xp Jet (executive 8-seater)

Most of Major Blue’s fleet is brand new aircraft and this is one of best reasons to fly with us – for both pilots and guests. Some of our aircraft are equipped with the Garmin 1000 avionics and GPS.

Mmegi: How has the reception from the market been?

McAllister: Major Blue is one of the newest air charter companies in Maun. The aviation industry in Botswana, particularly the northern part of the company is very busy and Maun airport is considered one of the busiest non-scheduled airports in Africa. The reception has been great as the industry continues to grow so does the demand for aircraft.

Mmegi: Do you have major competitors currently?

McAllister: There are eight air charter companies in Maun and they are all busy. Technically we are all competitors, but we work together well as a cluster and support one another with operational issues. We like to ensure the standards are kept to a high standard as we are all affected by any negative Press. This creates a rather unique operating environment.

Mmegi: How is the business doing?

McAllister: Business is going well. Our year is divided into the high and low season. High season runs from May to October and then drops off for the rest of the time and there is less flying. The peak season is very busy and the aircraft fly a lot of hours.

Mmegi: How many people have Major Blue Air lines employed?

McAllister: The average pilot flies in Maun for two to three years as it is a stepping stone into the aviation industry. At present we employ nine pilots. We are very pleased to see the government’s move towards the development of young pilots to join the industry in the years to come.

Mmegi: Any challenges thus far?

McAllister: Hahaha! What company doesn’t have challenges?  A shortage of local Motswana pilots is our biggest challenge at present but this is being addressed and we hope to see it becoming less of a challenge in the near future. We maintain a very high standard of training and this constant and ongoing.