LAM carries out first commercial flight to Chongoene

The first flight took place on Saturday, December 18, with the first 20 passengers disembarking at the air terminal in Chongoene, Gaza province, receiving a commemorative certificate. For its first commercial flight into the Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport, LAM resorted to a South African operator providing a 35-seat aircraft. LAM’s initiative aims to attract tourists and businesspeople who want to cut travel time to Gaza province from Johannesburg or Maputo. LAM general director João Carlos Pó Jorge said that, after the certification of the Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport, the company decided to explore the route in response to the demand of passengers looking beyond tourism and other businesses.

“We are exploring the route to see what is viable for the aviation market, especially on this recently opened route. We opened the market with this flight and noticed that there was some interest in purchasing tickets. To mark this occasion, we decided to honour the first 20 passengers with a certificate of recognition,” Jorge said. In turn, LAM’s commercial director, Luísa Ferreira, explained that, with the launch of the exploration of the route, the national flag airline intended to cover all points in the country connecting with FJN Airport.

“It makes sense to explore this potential market. I think this is an excellent strategy. We are aware of the challenges that the route can bring. At this moment, we started operating commercial flights with a weekly frequency, on Saturdays, depending on market demand, which start at JHB or vice versa. If the market is receptive, we will introduce a second weekly flight,” Ferreira explained Among the passengers, South African citizen Ane Mari Pienaar said that the LAM initiative, originating in Johannesburg, with a stopover in Maputo, and having as final destination the city of Xai-Xai, would improve travel times for tourists who wish to fly to Gaza province.

“I come from South Africa and go to Xai-Xai. I am going to Xai-Xai FJN Airport for the first time. It’s always safer and time-saving to go by plane compared to by land. It’s better,” she explained. Sidónio Marco, who was traveling with his children, said: “It is gratifying to be part of the first group of passengers to disembark at the newly built airport, which reveals a lot about the development of our country”.