Federal Airlines is expanding its fleet to meet customer demand as figures show growth in tourism and a higher interest in safari trips in South Africa. Federal Airlines has partnered with Investec Aviation Finance to secure funding for the fleet expansion.
South African tourism is showing growth
Data from Statistics South Africa shows a 27.6% year-on-year increase in overseas arrivals in September 2025. Tourists from the United Kingdom and the United States ranked the highest, reporting almost 850,000 international overnight visitors. Further statistics show that South Africa’s tourism industry experienced a 14% increase in international visitors between January and July 2025 compared to 2024.
Federal Airlines’ planned fleet expansion is based on the increased interest in local tourism, and its private charter routes are designed to accommodate the ‘seamless and time-efficient safari experience for discerning travellers.’
FedAir’s fleet expansion
Federal Airlines has partnered with Investec Aviation Finance, and the company will oversee the transaction for the fleet expansion. Investec has had ties with the airline since 2023, when it assisted in a similar aircraft transaction for six Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft. The new transaction is to support purchases for an additional E145, three Cessna 208B Grand Caravans, with two of them expected to be delivered in 2026, and a spare engine.
Jarryd Prince, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) from the airline, issued the following statement:
“By expanding our regional presence and investing in modern aircraft and smarter systems, we’re ensuring that our partners and their guests experience the reliability, flexibility, and service excellence that have always defined FedAir.”
The Services Provided by Federal Airlines
Since 2004, Federal Airlines has provided charter and shuttle services for its personalised safari excursions, escorting tourists to many of the luxury lodges in South Africa, including Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Marakele National Park and Thornybush Game Reserve.
Have you flown Federal Airlines on safari? Let us know in the comments!
