Swazi Express suspends flights

MBABANE – Swazi Express Airways has suspended flights indefinitely, but has not gone out of business as some reports are stating. A source with the airline told FTW: “We have suspended all operational activities until further notice. All flights are grounded.” The source said the firm must work out its financial situation before flights resume. Swaziland’s second airline made headlines by breaking Airlink Swaziland’s monopoly on the Matsapha- Johannesburg route last year after a High Court ruling in its favour. Company founder Han Steffen immediately slashed prices by up to 60% on some flights, prompting Airlink to offer more discount fares. The carrier had contracted an SA firm to handle its freight business, and expected to push this service this year. In January, Swazi Express was again in the news when half the company was sold to Swazi businessman Moses Motsa. News emerged last week that the carrier was bilked for a six-figure amount in a credit card fraud scheme masterminded by a Nigerian national operating in Swaziland. The suspect was apprehended by police. But the loss was a contributing factor to the suspension of airline activity. The loss of Swazi Express means one less supporter for the controversial Swaziland airport under construction in the rural hamlet Sikhupe one hour east of the current Matsapha airport. The carrier was the only airline that pledged to use the airport.