Times Of Swaziland: ESWATINI AIR, GERMAN AIRLINE SIGN PARTNERSHIP

ESWATINI AIR, GERMAN AIRLINE SIGN PARTNERSHIP
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Mhlengi Magongo on 12/05/2022 08:29:00


MBABANE - The aviation industry of Eswatini continues to optimise its
distribution efforts globally, as they have signed a commercial partnership to
increase the global footprint.
Recently-introduced Eswatini Air has signed a commercial partnership with Hahn
Air, through an interline agreement. Hahn Air is a minor German airline
headquartered in Dreieich, offering business jet schedules and charter flights
within Europe from its base at Düsseldorf Airport. The interline agreement was
signed on Monday in Nairobi during the occasion of the African Airlines
Association (AFRAA) 10th Aviation Stakeholders’ Convention. This is a
historical event for Eswatini Air as the new startup airline readies itself to
enter the market in mid-2022. Speaking during the official signing, Secretary
General of the African Airlines Association, Abdérahmane Berthé, who is also
an advocate for collaboration among airlines and stakeholders, stated that this
partnership would go a long way in assisting Eswatini Air optimise its
distribution efforts globally.
Agreement
He said the agreement would avail new business opportunities for investors as
Eswatini would now be able to render international services. “I am delighted
to have witnessed the signing of this collaboration between Eswatini Air and
Hahn Air. In my career and experience thus far, the value of collaborative
arrangements such as the interline framework by Hahn Air to airlines cannot be
overstated,” he said. Johan Pauwels, the Regional Vice President Airline
Business Group, Africa and France at Hahn Air also said the agreement would
bring their number of airline partners to 351.
He said this meant new trade roots would be made available to Eswatini creating
employment opportunities as well as improving the business sector.  “Our
platform will immediately result in Eswatini Air being accessible for sell to
more than 102 000 travel agencies worldwide, with the possibility of combing its
flight legs with 350 other airlines,” added Pauwels.
CEO of Royal Eswatini Airways Corporation trading as Eswatini Air Qiniso
Dhlamini, said they were a full service regional airline, and they had adopted a
multiple channel distribution strategy. “The agreement with Hahn Air is
entered into as part of this strategy, it is critical for us, especially at this
early stage when we are just entering the market and we are yet to subscribe
onto various airline industry distribution channels,” said Dhlamini. The CEO
also mentioned that the availability of airline distribution industry in the
country would help improve sectors of trade and tourism.