Having achieved a reputation for exceptionally good value for our unique tailored flight services, and of fixing rates to the best of our ability, we are now faced with the unfortunate necessity of an immediate rate increase on selected routes. This is due to the dramatic devaluation of the Rand against the Dollar, which affects all the major running costs, maintenance and insurance of our fleet.
Our approach has always been to give you fixed rates for up to 20 months in advance so that you may accurately quote your clients without fear of frequent changes. But this poses a huge risk to us and in this unusual instance we are unable to bear the costs of the currency devaluation. We forecast an average exchange rate through 2016 of ZAR12,50 / $1,00 and budgeted accordingly. We had no idea how wrong we would be!
An increase of 15% is applicable to the following routes – download HERE:
- All Lowveld routes
- All inter lodge routes
- All Phinda flights excluding Phinda Airwing
The good news is that we are not increasing the 2016 Madikwe rates and only instigating the 15% increase for Madikwe in 2017. We have also introduced an RSA Residential Rate for Madikwe flights to better accommodate the South African market.
Our Phinda Airwing rates will also remain unchanged for 2016.
The new prices are effective for all new bookings created on or after 15th March 2016. Any provisional bookings currently held and confirmed before 31 March 2016 will be honoured at current rates, provided that payments are received in accordance with our terms and conditions.
The further good news is that we hope to hold these new rates for 2017, but are forced to include “subject to change” in our T’s & C’s, should the economy and exchange rates spike again.
Thank you for your business and support during 2015. We look forward to providing you with the
best service in 2016.
About The Author: Cheryle Velsor
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