Bezuidenhout says that while Mango has a significant advantage with its new generation aircraft that consume up to 30 percent less fuel than competitor’s assets, its optimised seat configuration and effective asset utilization, the airline is implementing further savings initiatives and operational efficiencies in mitigation of the high fuel price.

"The cost of jet fuel has increased more than five fold during the past half decade, and already 84 percent up from last year this time," says Bezuidenhout, and while the low cost model cushions Mango well against sharp increases in operational expenditure, of which fuel represents approximately 45 percent at this time, he says that it is imperative that airlines implement greater operational efficiencies through the line to save money.

Additional fuel-saving methods include optimal flight-management. New generation aircraft have an on-board computer that conserves fuel by continually calculating the optimal flying speed based on a number of dynamic criteria including weight, wind speed and fuel costs. Mango expects to save several million Rand in costs annually through this tool.

Fuel can also be conserved on the ground. Jet fuel is consumed when taxiing or parked at the gate with the engines running and Mango, with its short turnaround times already in place, saves substantial volumes of jet fuel and parking-bay fees.

"I question how, with fleets that are several decades old, some of our competitors would be able to manage the fuel consumption levels that ageing fleets require,” says Bezuidenhout.

Mango also plans to increase its use of Ground Power Units (GPUs) while at the gate — these supply electricity and powers air conditioning to a parked aircraft. A GPU burns just one eighth of the fuel consumed by a jet engine. Reducing weight also conserves fuel. Mango is removing ovens, rubbish compactors and other unnecessary heavy items from its aircraft.

Bezuidenhout also adds that consumer can expect airlines to tighten the rules on excess baggage. "Weight is an issue for all airlines," he says, and even a 25kg reduction in aircraft load weight can save thousands of Rands in fuel every month.

Mango this week also launched its online check in service, designed to further enhance efficiencies at the airport and complimenting the availability of self-check in terminals already available in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

"Operational efficiency should be implemented at all ends of air travel, from the cost of distribution through to actual flying," says Bezuidenhout. He believes Mango is well ahead of the curve with its low-cost booking channels on the internet, Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper Money Markets and of course its call centre and travel agencies.

"When we launched 18 months ago," says Bezuidenhout, "we (Mango) placed great emphasis on our business plan and its true low cost model. During more challenging economic cycles, such as we are currently experiencing, this business case has ensured that Mango is able to effectively manage the impact of the high cost of fuel and a negative economic climate — and still offer affordable travel.”

Visit http://www.flymango.com.