Botswana-based Mack Air says that its flight hours are right on target; it expects to hit 30 per cent of 2019, 29 per cent more than 2020, however 70 per cent less than 2019. The company flies a Cessna Grand Caravan, transporting passengers and high value cargo.

“We applied two principles during the pandemic – employee protection mode and business protection mode,” says MD Michael Weyl. “We needed to protect ourselves so that we had something to come back to. Focus our revenue not on salaries but on training and maintenance to ensure our fleet and crew are tip-top for when tourism returns. Many operators have been caught with their pants down, allowing maintenance inspections on props, engines and airframes to expire.

“We want to continue seeing green shoots of optimism and a rise in tourism through promoting safe, efficient and comfortable travel in Botswana. All businesses follow protocols and bring a element of comfort back to travel. As long as our guests feel comfortable and safe this will happen, and this starts from the first point of call right through to their flight and receiving country.”