Safari shuttle and charter operator Federal Airlines (South Africa) (7V, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) is expanding its fleet with a pre-owned E145, three Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Grand Caravans, and a spare engine, citing strong demand driven by South Africa’s tourism growth, particularly in the luxury safari segment.

The expansion is being financed through a strategic partnership with Investec Aviation Finance, which has restructured and upsized a senior revolving credit facility originally extended to the airline in 2023, the companies said in a joint statement.

Federal Airlines, colloquially known as FedAir, will use the facility to refinance the acquisition of the E145, one Cessna C208B, and the spare engine, and to secure delivery financing for two additional new C208Bs scheduled for delivery in 2026.

FedAir already operates a fleet of ten Cessna C208 Caravans (including seven C208B EX Grand Caravans), four PC-12s (including two PC12NGs), two E145s wet-leased to Fastjet Zimbabwe, and two Beech 1900Ds.

Founded in 2004, FedAir operates premium point-to-point shuttle and charter services for business and leisure travellers, serving destinations including the Kruger National Park and several private game reserves, including Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Thornybush Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve, Londolozi Game Reserve, and Marakele National Park.

The fleet move comes as South Africa’s tourism sector gains momentum. Data from Statistics South Africa show overseas arrivals rose 27.6% year-on-year in September 2025, led by visitors from the United States and the United Kingdom.