Cape Town Air Access powered by Wesgro, announced that the Air Botswana is expanding its services, and further enhancing the connectivity of Cape Town across Africa.
Air Botswana will operate a service from Kasane with 3 weekly flights, beginning from November 01, 2024. The services will add a new destination to CPT’s route network and increasing its overall regional connectivity with 16 African destinations.
Cape Town Air Access is a global award-winning air-route development project that acts as a focal point for the pro-active air route development, for the passengers and also for air cargo, in Cape Town and the Western Cape.
The project is powered by ‘Wesgro‘ – The Tourism, Trade & Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape and through a multi-party collaborative effort between six government entities and the private sector.
The project strives to improve the air connectivity and capacity for Western Cape province, in sustainable manner, also increasing economic competitiveness and job creation.
Reportedly, Air Botswana is increasing frequencies on its existing Gaborone, in addition to Kasane. Cape Town, route from 3 to 5 weekly flights will launch a new service from Maun, considering 3 weekly flights.
Additionally, Kasane marks the 11th African destination to be added to Cape Town’s route network since the beginning of the Cape Town Air Access project in the year 2015. The new service increases the connectivity between the Cape Town and the Western Cape’s linking them with other 16 destinations across the continent.
As per the sources, Air Botswana will increase frequencies on its existing Gaborone-Cape Town connection from three to five per week and will also, launch a new route service connecting Maun to Cape Town, with three flights per week.
Gaborone is the Cape Town’s best-performing city in Botswana, with the record of over 28,000 passengers, noted in 2023. Maun, ranks second behind Gaborone, and has also seen incredible growth with an year-on-year growth of 30% in two-way passengers for the year 2023.
Currently, Maun – Cape Town has a daily Airlink flight. However, the addition of Air Botswana’s service will increase capacity on the route to a total of ten flights per week.
In total, Air Botswana has added the frequencies that will increase Cape Town’s connectivity to Botswana from 10 to 18 flights per week between the two destinations.
Notably, Botswana is Cape Town’s fifth largest two-way passenger market in Southern Africa, with over 57,000 passengers recorded in 2023 which represents a 21% growth when compared to the same period in 2022.
The increase in the capacity is set to further strengthen ties between the two regions. It has also promoted the increased trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
CEO of Wesgro and Official Spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access – Wrenelle Stander said that the expansions by Air Botswana are expected to significantly boost the connectivity between the destinations that contribute to the economic growth of both regions.
Stander highlighted that the inclusion of Kasane as a new regional connection within Cape Town’s route network is a testament to the project’s success in expanding Cape Town and the Western Cape’s reach across the continent.
He also said that this development reflects the unwavering commitment to foster economic growth through strategic partnerships and enhanced connectivity.
Western Cape Provincial Minister for Economic Development and Agriculture – MEC Ivan Meyer commented on the development and said that they are thrilled about the venture, as it will open up new business investment opportunities.
The enhanced connectivity is expected to significantly boost the tourism, which is a key driver for the Western Cape and the broader economy, also creating potential trade opportunities.
He also added that the tourism is one of the industries that experienced rapid growth following the COVID-19 pandemic which plays a crucial role in the region. The Western Cape’s significant domestic tourism market adds to its resilience, helping the industry in smooth out seasonally induced fluctuations.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos said, “We take great pride in funding the Air Access Programme, as it directly supports our economic growth mission.”
The new flight from Botswana to Cape Town exemplifies the commitment to connect with key markets across Africa. Vos also said that by enhancing the aviation links, they stimulate trade and travel, foster greater economic activities and creates positive spin-offs for the local economy.
“We are excited about the opportunities as the new route brings the continuous growth that will drive for Cape Town and the African partners,” said Alderman James Vos.
Regional General Manager for the Cape Town International Airport – Mark Maclean, they are excited to welcome Air Botswana new and expanded the routes which will greatly enhance the connectivity of Cape Town International Airport with the region.
Maclean said that the introduction of Kasane to the network has coupled with increased flights from Gaborone and the new service to Maun that offers the passengers greater accessibility and convenience.
“Our commitment remains steadfast in providing an exceptional airport experience as we support these new connections and facilitate seamless transit for travellers between these key destinations,” added Mark Maclean.