The new distribution channel, says Bezuidenhout, will make it possible for persons wishing to purchase air travel to do so at more than five hundred retail outlets, travel agents, online and through Mango's call centres; effectively blanketing the country with booking access points. "When we launched little over a year ago," says Bezuidenhout, "we stated our intention of making air travel more affordable, accessible and to fly the un-flown. We are delivering."
During this year Mango introduced its innovative payment method in accepting Edcon (Edgars, Jet etc) store cards online and through its call centres, initiated distribution through travel agents and launched its first standalone kiosk in Soweto. Mango has also grown the domestic market with an estimated 15% and already contributed in excess of R250 million to public coffers.
Despite much criticism from all corners Mango has achieved significant milestones in its first year, says Bezuidenhout, and the airline is well on its way to achieving its 2 year profitability targets.
