“Mango has planned substantially for the event,” says CEO Nico Bezuidenhout. “However, unlike some of our competitors, Mango will not be increasing its fares simply to cash in on the influx of tourists. Instead, I believe this is an opportunity to showcase our country and not to leave visitors returning home with a negative perception.”

Bezuidenhout says he was disheartened to see some airlines charging close to R10 000 for a return trip between Johannesburg and Cape Town next year July.

“South Africa should approach the tournament as a potential long term commercial opportunity, not an opportunity to simply rake in greenbacks. Inflated pricing is just a turn off.”

Bezuidenhout says that Mango will operate around the clock over the period of the tournament, and that the airline is already geared to manage the sharp increase in travellers expected.

“With an extended schedule and our charter operations, Mango should quadruple the number of Guests we transport during this period,” adding that along with the upgraded airport infrastructure, handling of increased volumes should be efficient. “This is a first for South Africa, a litmus test. I believe we will pass with flying colours.”

Mango, says Bezuidenhout, will release its updated schedule for flights over the tournament period by mid-November.

“Beyond scheduled flights, we have already had several charter bookings and expect the rush for flights after the December 4 draw,” adding that Mango expects the rest of the travel industry to follow the same trend.

“This is the time to show what South Africans are capable of. Unlike some airlines, we should look at milking visitor goodwill, not their wallets. By taking a longer term view of next year’s event, it will benefit both us and generation next.”