IATA AGM 2013: South Africa’s Mango plans 15-aircraft domestic fleet by 2017

Mango CEO Nico Bezuidenhout told (03-Jun-2013) CAPA on the sidelines of the IATA AGM that the South African Airways LCC subsidiary plans to more than double its fleet to 15 737-800s over the next three to four years. "We then reach a level of saturation in the South African domestic market," Mr Bezuidenhout says. Mango's fleet currently consists of seven 737s, including six 737-800s and one wet-leased 737-300. Mr Bezuidenhout say growth beyond 15 aircraft depends on if Mango expands into South Africa's international market and/or if Mango establishes affiliates or franchises in other African countries. Mango currently only operates domestic services but it has been looking at operating international scheduled flights to leisure destinations. Mr Bezuidenhout pointed out that Mango began operating international charter flights to Zanzibar in Dec-2012 and currently holds traffic rights for scheduled flights to Mauritius. But for now the carrier has opted not to use the rights for Mauritius or expand into the international market.