Eswatini Air seeks new revenue as fuel reaches 30 emalangeni a litre
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini Air is exploring cargo, aircraft maintenance and aviation training to reduce its reliance on passengers. General Manager Ndumiso Shongwe says aviation fuel has risen from around 9-11 to 30 emalangeni a litre, which he attributes to the conflict in the Middle East, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Eswatini Air is exploring new sources of revenue, including cargo transport, aircraft maintenance and aviation training, to reduce its dependence on passengers amid rising fuel costs. General Manager Ndumiso Shongwe said so at a stakeholder meeting at Esibayeni Lodge, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Shongwe attributes the surge in prices to the conflict in the Middle East. Aviation fuel, which cost around 9 to 11 emalangeni a litre, now reaches nearly 30 emalangeni, more than double for one of the airline’s main expenses.
He said 89% of the audit findings have been addressed, with the remaining 11% at various stages of closure, some relating to documentation. The ongoing recertification of the air operator certificate (AOC) is helping to close these gaps through updated operational manuals.
The period 2033-2036 will be devoted to fleet renewal, the fleet currently being two aircraft, and market growth.
Shongwe says the airline has generated more than 400 million emalangeni in savings for the public. Before it, a return trip between Eswatini and Johannesburg cost more than 6,000 emalangeni; competitors have also lowered their prices. Air traffic has more than quintupled since it began operations, he said.
