FedAir Locks in to the Lowveld

MEDIA RELEASE – 6 NOVEMBER 2025

We’re truly excited to share our upcoming strategic shift in the FedAir Shuttle Business Unit for 2026 and beyond. We’re expanding in the Lowveld and launching a daily schedule to create convenient and seamless regional connectivity for guests.

From mid-May 2026, we’ll introduce a six-aircraft schedule connecting almost all of our top lodge airstrips to the key Lowveld commercial entry points, namely Kruger Mpumalanga International, Skukuza, and Hoedspruit Airports. The Lowveld Schedule goes on sale from Monday the 17th of November 2025, perfectly timed to secure 2026 bookings.

We will now offer air connectivity on the short hops between the three entry points and lodge airstrips, giving guests the ability to land at one of these three hub airports, after which we’ll whisk them off for a quick safari-from-the-sky and drop them at their lodge airstrip within minutes. This eliminates the need for long and often uncomfortable road transfers, helping guests maximise their time in the tranquillity of the bush.

With our continued commitment to no more than two stops along the way, this expansion strengthens regional connectivity, increases schedule flexibility and shortens travel times between lodges and key access points. To pull this off, we’re expanding our fleet by taking delivery of two brand new Cessna Caravan EX’s at the end of Q1 2026, an investment in excess of $7.3m signalling a clear vote of confidence from our shareholders and funding partners. This investment further echoes FedAir’s commitment to ensuring our valued guests travel in one of the youngest fleets in General Aviation in South Africa.

We’re also investing in new lounge facilities at Kruger, Skukuza, and Hoedspruit, offering the same refined and personalised experience as our flagship Johannesburg Private Lounge. Guests can look forward to a calm, comfortable start to their journey prior to stepping onboard.

Our Current Services Remain Rock Solid and Continue Unchanged

Our Lowveld operation will see the majority of our Cessna Grand Caravan fleet strategically positioned in the region. Our expanded fleet will also ensure that our other routes continue without interruption.

We’ll continue to offer:

• • Daily direct flights between Johannesburg and Singita, Londolozi, and MalaMala.

  • Daily semi-direct flights between Johannesburg, Ulusaba and Arathusa.

  • Daily Flexi service between Johannesburg and Lowveld.

  • Daily direct services between Kruger International and Phinda.

  • Double daily service between Johannesburg and Madikwe

  • Daily service between Johannesburg and Marataba (Thabazimbi)

Any Lowveld destinations or interlodge connections not covered in our new schedule will continue to be serviced through our daily Flexi service within the Lowveld.

As we transition to a limited-seat inventory model and realign our capacity, we encourage partners to secure bookings early to avoid disappointment.

Introducing value-for-money Zonal Fares

Our Lowveld Schedule will also see us introducing a zonal-fare structure with highly competitive fares for travel within the Lowveld. Chat to your agent or DMC to secure these low fares today!

Our new X-Class Fare: Bring your Big Hard Bag

We’ve listened and tweaked our offering to ensure that guests who wish to travel with their large hardshell bags can continue to do so, at a small premium.

Very soon we will be launching our new X-Class Fare. This fare includes one standard large hardshell bag up to 32kg with total dimensions being 158cm (H + L + W).

X-Class seats will be limited to 4 per flight to allow us to plan weight-and-balance accordingly. We will continue to offer our complimentary baggage storage facilities at both Johannesburg and Kruger International Airports for those guests who wish to travel light.

Smarter Bookings, Seamless Transitions

A new reservation platform will launch in Q1 2026, simplifying the booking process and allowing for future integration with partner reservation systems.

We will work closely with all partners to coordinate transitional arrangements regarding any existing bookings that overlap with our new Lowveld Schedule. Where possible, existing bookings that align with the new schedule will benefit from our updated and lower fares.

A Stronger Future for Safari Connectivity

“We’re reimagining safari logistics for guests,” says Jarryd Prince, Chief Commercial Officer. “By expanding our regional presence and investing in modern aircraft and smarter systems, we’re ensuring that our partners and their guests experience the reliability, flexibility, and service excellence that have always defined FedAir.”

This strategic expansion positions federal Airlines as the preferred logistics partner for lodges, DMCs, and travel professionals seeking consistent, luxury-grade connectivity for their guests across Southern Africa. Visit our website or contact us for any additional information.