Lesotho-based airline operator, Mohahlaula Airlines, has announced plans to launch a local Lesotho airline within the next year. The operation will initially service the Maseru-Johannesburg route with plans to extend to other destinations in South Africa also in the pipeline.

Mohahlaula Airlines is one of two Lesotho companies holding an airline operating certificate (AOC), which allows the company to apply for and operate a fully fledged local airline from the capital, Maseru.  

“We are thrilled to announce our intention to launch Mohahlaula Airlines over the next year or so. It’s a service desperately required by Lesotho as the country grows economically and tourism picks up after the pandemic. We are looking forward to playing an essential role in driving Lesotho’s socio-economic growth,” said Phafane Nkotsi, CEO of the airline.

Over the past two years, the company has been operating private charter and cargo flights in and out of Maseru.

“Mohahlaula is a ‘local first’ airline, meaning that not only will we connect locals to business and leisure opportunities outside of Lesotho, but we will open up employment opportunities for locals wanting to get into aviation. We will also launch an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) at the beginning of quarter one, 2023,” said Nkotsi.

He said there was clearly demand for additional air capacity on the Johannesburg-Lesotho route, pointing to reports from South Africa showing that the scrapping of COVID-19 restrictions had opened up the MICE industry, with conferences and events being put back on the business calendar. A recent trend report also showed that overseas visitors were already booking their December holiday trips to Southern Africa.

At this stage it is planned that the airline will operate three Embraer 145 aircrafts which carry 45-50 passengers at a time. The Embraer is a widely used commuter carrier.