Why Mack Air
Welcome Aboard!
Thank you for choosing Mack Air for your African Adventure! Fasten your seatbelts as we take you on the journey of how we came to be.
Okavango enthusiasts, Lara and Stuart Mackay, launched Mack Air in 1994 in a humid rustic shack with a single five passenger Cessna 206 Stationair constituting their fleet. In 1996, Lutz Gottschalk was employed as the first pilot. By 1998, the company had a small team of pilots making regular flights into the Okavango Delta.
From these humble beginnings, we have grown to become one of the most advanced air charter companies in Southern Africa.
As the first private commercial operator in Botswana to hold both scheduled and non-scheduled licenses, our vision at Mack Air has always been to offer these services locally within Botswana and likewise expand responsibly, alongside our client base, throughout the region.
As a result, we collaborated with South West Aviation and launched operations in Zimbabwe in October 2022. Through this relationship, we have created new flight services linking Mack Air’s established Botswana network, with a new and expansive network service across Zimbabwe with diversified geographical base locations.
Mack Air prides itself on its reputation for offering reliable, efficient, and personable service, from take-off all the way through to landing. The current fleet consists of 19 Cessna Grand Caravan EXs and 3 Cessna 206 Stationairs.
Safety is our priority and we ensure our passengers are well taken care of at all times. To further secure our passengers, we implemented a fleet-enhancement programme in 2018.
Alongside the upgrade of our fleet, we also completed construction of our first hangar and began a working relationship with Absolute Aviation, a major South African Approved Maintenance Organisation. Our relationship contributes to our goal of upholding safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort. This is due to the Absolute Service Centre’s representation of Textron Aviation Products as well as its position as the only authorised Beechcraft and Cessna maintenance facility in southern and central Africa. Our growth has picked up even more momentum since then, as evidenced by the opening of our second hangar this year!
In addition to providing world-class service to our commercial and airline partners, travel agents, camps, and lodges, we offer a truly memorable journey to our passengers. Mack Air pilots undergo an exceptionally rigorous selection process. They are in a league of their own and have an impeccable safety record.
Not only that, they’re also skilled storytellers. Passengers will be on the edge of their seats as their pilot shares the story of the land below them, as Africa unfolds before their eyes – the journey of a lifetime!
Interesting Facts About Mack Air
As a result of the delivery of 17 new Cessna Grand Caravan EX’s, Mack Air has the youngest fleet of all the light and medium-sized aircraft commuter airlines on the African continent.
We’ve gone green! Our aircraft far surpass their predecessors. With more effective engine design, we now achieve greater power with less fuel. The journey has never been so fast, quiet, and efficient. Our carbon footprint has been significantly reduced and we continue to strive to lessen its impact.
Mack Air is the first private commercial operator in Botswana to be granted an International Scheduled Service License. In May 2021, we proudly commenced our first scheduled service flight between Kasane, Botswana and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and whilst additional scheduled flights to Windhoek are currently suspended until further notice.
Accreditation
Mack Air is certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, and holds both Domestic and International Air Services Licenses.
Mack Air is audited annually by CAAB for the renewal of its Aircraft Operating Certificate (AOC) and Airline Transport License (ATL).Mack Air fleet of Cessna turboprop aircraft work in accordance with the CAAB for non-scheduled passenger and cargo operations.
In 2019, Mack Air underwent a thorough an exhaustive certification process before being approved and issued an International Scheduled Air Service Licence. This made Mack Air the first private company in Botswana to achieve this mile stone, and only the second company in Botswana to hold an International Scheduled Air Service Licence after the country’s National Airline.
We have completed over 800 000 landings in the Okavango Delta alone!
Our aircraft have flown the equivalent distance of flying to the moon and back more than 140 times!
Our first aircraft, the A2-AKB, did more than 14 return trips to the moon before being retired!
Team Mack Air
With over 25 years of experience in Botswana and an impeccable safety record which supersedes the rest, Mack Air offers a level of comfort and safety like no other. From the moment you book from one of our nine reservations agents who take charge of your booking ensuring your connections are streamlined and seamless.
Safety and Quality are headed by a team who are not only qualified pilots themselves but have years of experience working with the regulatory body (Civil Aviation of Botswana) focusing solely on your Safety and Comfort.
As our aircraft is our hardware, we have partnered with Absolute Aviation with in-house engineers to monitor the maintenance on the aircraft as an additional step between the Maintenance organisation and Mack Air to ensure the quality of our hardware is pristine and safe.
Without our TEAM we are nothing which is why we have introduced a Brand and Culture department ensuring our workforce is kept up to date, informed and motivated!
We are one, we are TEAM Mack Air.
