Airfreight growth drives moves for more Umtata flights

KEVIN MAYHEW NEGOTIATIONS ARE under way to increase direct airfreight capacity between Durban and Umtata - with on demand stops possible at Margate, Kokstad and Harding. Durban-based Presidential Air says it is negotiating with a freight company in Umtata to secure sufficient support to justify increasing its present direct, scheduled charter one-hour-and-twenty-minute flights from Durban to Umtata and back. Presidential Air, which operates out of offices at Virginia Airport, recently launched a twice weekly (Monday and Friday) passenger and freight service between the two centres using Britten Norman Islander STOL aircraft. It has already ordered a further aircraft to increase its capacity which starts with an additional Wednesday flight on the route from this month. “The service has positive implications for freight, tourism and of course for Umtata Airport as we are using its handling facilities,” says co-owner, Brett Tungay. Parcels for the service are collected and dropped off at Virginia and Umtata airports with deliveries required an hour before departure.