Is it a bird no, it's a plane but it's orange! Mango airlines fly with bright orange aircraft, and they do it in style!
Mango is a subsidiary of the state owned carrier South African Airways (SAA) and is one of three low-cost carriers currently operating in South Africa. The Airline was initiated as the first low-cost domestic airline in South Africa and was loaned R100m by SAA in order to cover its start-up costs as well as to use for working capital. Mango Airlines was conceived on 30 October 2006, and became known as the first true low cost airline in South Africa. Mango's first flight took off in Johannesburg on 15 November 2006, destination Cape Town.
Mango boasts an impressive fleet of 4 eco friendly, Boeing 737-800 aircraft from SAA, which are also serviced and maintained by SAA's technical division. Each Boeing can carry up to 186 passengers and flies between Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. The airline's base is in Johannesburg, at the Oliver Tambo International Airport.
Mango's main target is the 'un-flown' market while its focus is on budget domestic tickets. Mango offers an added service on all their economy tickets, called the Mango Flex ticket. This ticket allows passengers to change the date, time and destinations of any booking they have made through the Mango website or call centre agents. It is also not necessarily more expensive than the standard economy class ticket; in some cases it is actually less expensive. One step further than a Mango Flex ticket is a Mango Plus ticket, which allows its holder to make use of a business class lounge, carry ten kilograms extra in their luggage as well as have vouchers for free meals.
It is important to take note that Mango airlines do not provide free meals on their flights. They have a 'buy on board' service offering food and drinks for sale during the flight. Mango has an in-flight magazine called 'Mango Juice' and Mango TV has part of their entertainment.
Mango Airlines sell tickets online, but also have booking facilities at all Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper Money Market Kiosks in South Africa. Clients can pay by credit card, Edgars account (at an additional cost of R39.52), by cash, voucher or internet banking.
In short, Mango does not aim to be a 'no-frills' airline, but is also not a premium carrier - with its low ticket prices the airline plans to maintain their slogan, 'Easy on the pocket, easy on you.'
For more information about Mango Airlines visit South Africa Flights.
