Federal Airlines Adds 6 New Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX Aircraft to Fleet

South African air carrier Federal Airlines has added six Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft to its safari travel fleet.

Federal Airlines

South African safari airline FedAir added six Cessna Caravan 208B EX aircraft to its fleet. [Courtesy: Federal Airlines]

South African air carrier Federal Airlines, known as FedAir, has announced the addition of six new Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX aircraft to its fleet. The company said the aircraft set a standard in reliability and passenger comfort.

According to the company, the aircraft are especially well suited to its focus on providing air travel to key safari and game reserve destinations in South Africa. FedAir said the Caravan 208B EX allows it to provide its guests with improved fleet reliability, technology, and an enhanced travel experience.

The Caravan 208B EX is known for dependable and efficient performance and is popular worldwide among safari and charter operators, regional airlines, and cargo carriers. The aircraft’s notable features include the latest advanced avionics and control systems, more powerful, efficient Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140 engines, and more comfortable interiors for passengers embarking on luxury safari excursions.

"This new fleet of six 208B EX aircraft represents a [$19.9 million] investment by us into our business and the country’s key exclusive safari tourism industry, and will provide at least 10 years of safe, reliable, and enhanced air travel for our guests and customers,” said Federal Airlines CEO Mark Hurst. “We are proud to be at the forefront of the tourism travel industry, delivering air connectivity and exclusive shuttle and charter services whilst continuously striving to improve the overall travel experience for our guests and international travelers visiting South Africa from all corners of the globe.”

Group chairman Rashid Wally said the new Caravans “will enable us to continue to offer our customers the highest levels of service and reliability, and we are grateful and encouraged by the continued support of our loyal industry partners and clients.”

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest FLYING stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter
By entering your email, you agree to receive communications from FlyingMag.