December 1998, Issue 1
Welcome to the first issue of Isibkhumba, the official newsroom of
Royal African Airlines in PW #2883. Inspired by China Airways, Isikhumba (meaning
parchment in Zulu) aims to keep other players up to date with the happenings of Royal African Airlines. I hope you all enjoy the ride with us!
Royal African Airlines was launched on 4 October 1986 with flights from what was then, Jan Smuts International Airport in South Africa. Royal African was the first airline to be launched on the African continent, serving an untapped market. The airline started with a single Embraer EMB-110 and leased several aircrafts in the beginning to start off operations throughout South Africa and Southern Africa.
The first aircraft purchased by Royal African Airlines, an ATR 42 registered ZS-AAB, flying over JohannesburgTwo months later, Royal African purchased their first ever modern aircraft, a single ATR 42. Which enabled us to reach new destinations such as Angola and Mauritius. Shortly after purchasing our first aircraft, we were invited by United Airlines to join Star Alliance. With our lessor, Light Air, already in Star Alliance it only seemed logical to join the alliance. The alliance has allowed us to grow more rapidly with competitive leasing rates and help to fight off foreign airlines in Africa. In return, Royal African provided Star Alliance passengers the unique opportunity to experience the only African airline in the world.
Joining Star Alliance proved to be a very successful partnership. Within months, our fleet grew to 10 ATR 42's and new leases were signed for Boeing 737-300s for alliance members United and Light Air. In order to provide Star Alliance members better connection to Africa, Royal African opened their first foreign hub in Dubai. This connected South African passengers with Europe, China and India. Soon after that a second foreign hub was opened in Frankfurt. These hubs created a streamlined for passengers travelling on Star Alliance. As a result two franchises, Royal Arabian Dubai and Royal European Germany, were launched.
Unfortunately, due to sanctions on Apartheid South Africa, all aircrafts purchases and leases were frozen. This meant that no new aircrafts could be purchased nor could any leases be extended. Due to the short leases from United, our Boeing 737-300s were shortly returned. This had a significant impact on our flight schedule and frequencies became increasingly constrained.
On 7 January 1994, Royal African Airlines received new life as the end of the Apartheid era drew near. A new corporate image, the legendary airline, was launched. This imaged introduced the Flying King Protea logo and heralds to a new South Africa and a new airline. A new livery and new cabin uniforms were also introduced to inject new life into the airline.
New aircrafts were purchased with the cash that was stored up over the 6 year hiatus from the aviation market. Contracts were signed the airline placed their largest widebody order to date- 5 Airbus A330-300LR and 5 Boeing 767-300ERs. This allowed Royal African to enter the long haul market for the first time. Gradually, more efficient Airbus A320s replaced the ageing ATR42s, thus increasing passenger numbers and frequencies but at the same time reducing flight times.
Business operations were also streamlined to create a more consistent product. Royal African purchased its franchises, Royal Arabian Dubai and Royal European Germany, and consolidated it under the Royal African brand name. This allowed passengers to enjoy the same consistent legendary South African hospitality. Royal African also created new subsidiaries to operate its flights in countries outside South Africa. These subsidiaries are based in other countries but lease aircrafts from Royal African and also operate under the Royal African name.
Royal Arabian Dubai and Royal European Germany was renamed Indiza Dubai and Indiza Germany (Indiza meaning "to fly" in Zulu). With the airline lagging behind due to the 7 year hiatus, we faced stiff competition but managed to maintain our reputation as Africa's Legendary Airline. Soon two more subsidiaries were created Indiza Asia and Indiza America operating flights from Beijing and New York respectively.
This year marks the 12th year of Royal African operations. From a small fleet of ATR 42's we have grown to one of the world's biggest active airlines and continue to provide our legendary hospitality to passengers all over the world. We are one of the few airlines to be in the exclusive "6 Continents" club, connecting passengers all over the world. We are once again entering a new chapter in our airline as we start to implement cost saving measures.
We hoped you enjoyed this introductory issue of Isikhumba. From now on these newsletters will provide more insight to the airline.
Until your next legendary flight,
CEO Royal African
Basic Stats:
Airline Value: €15,785,558,073
Total Routes: 290
Total Destinations: 219
Daily Passengers 97,765
Fleet:
Airbus A320-200: 53
Airbus A330-300 LR: 7
Boeing 737-300: 2 (one leased, to be phased out and replaced by A319)
Boeing 737-700: 10
Boeing 737-700 HGW: 6
Boeing 767-300ER: 12
On Order:
Airbus A320-200: 5
Airbus A319-100: 4
Total: 90 (9 on order)
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