Ulendo Airlink, the aviation division of Malawi’s Ulendo Travel Group, has launched flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre, effective September 16.
The airline initially operated the route in 2011 but the Malawi Government suspended the operation a few weeks into the service. According to Rob McConaghy, Ulendo Airlink Commercial Director, the service was suspended despite Ulendo’s having been issued with the necessary permits. “The unofficial line was that they were trying to protect traffic rights for Air Malawi on this key route,” he said.
“Air Malawi was officially liquidated earlier this year and there has been no service on this key route for several months now,” said McConaghy. Air Malawi entered voluntary liquidation towards the end of last year and ceased operations earlier this year. The airline is expected to resume services after an agreement was reached with Ethiopian Airlines.
According to McConaghy, Malawi's Ministry of Transport has now approved the service and “it's all systems go”. Ulendo will operate double-daily flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre, with additional services planned for Lilongwe to Club Makokola, Liwonde National Park and the Nyika Plateau. Existing routes to Likoma Island and Mfuwe will continue to operate on a daily basis.
