Fireblade Aviation, a South African private aviation and charter company, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. Over the past decade Fireblade has pioneered private aviation in SA, and strives for positive change within the industry, driving domestic and international tourism and investment into Africa.
Initially set up as the Anglo American flight department several decades ago, the operation was rebranded to Fireblade Aviation in 2014, offering a one-stop shop for business and leisure travelers, aircraft owners and operators, and tour operators, based at OR Tambo.
Leigh Kretzschmar, Managing Director at Fireblade Aviation reflects on the company’s beginnings, noting that the decision to build the facility was an important step in driving the business case for Africa through enhanced travel efficiency.
“Tourism has been in a transformative space in recent years, with charter services being more accessible not only for business travel but leisure and group leisure travel as well. More individuals are realising that the cost associated with private aviation is not as prohibitive as one might think.”
Outside of meeting an increased demand for private travel, Kretzschmar believes the private aviation industry is long overdue in its own transformation. “Driving positive change in our industry starts with expanding our ecosystem, and that means prioritising sustainability, driving inclusivity and diversity, and driving awareness for the possibilities of a career in aviation amongst our youth, particularly young girls.”
During its anniversary month, Fireblade Aviation has launched the first in a series of foundation phase children’s books which aims to ignite enthusiasm for aviation, and expose children to the idea that aviation is for more than just ‘pilots and air hostesses’.
“If the industry intends on building a sustainable future, it needs to reach out and inspire a broader range of people, particularly as international demand for aviation resources is taking our people abroad,” says Kretzschmar.
“Aviation is an enhancer. It creates employment, facilitates trade, enables tourism, and supports sustainable development. Our focus beyond our first 10 years in the industry remains on boosting South African tourism by creating lasting impressions, fuelling business travel into Africa, and bolstering local aviation,” she concludes.
