Federal Air
A privately owned South African airline operating scheduled safari shuttles and private charters, with direct access to remote lodges and wildlife reserves.
About Federal Air
Federal Air, commonly branded as FedAir, is a privately owned South African airline whose origins date to 1989. It developed from a charter operator into a specialist provider of scheduled safari shuttles, private charters and contract aviation services. Rather than functioning like a conventional national carrier, FedAir focuses on small-scale flying tailored to tourism and remote destinations.
Johannesburg is the airline's principal gateway, with flights using FedAir's private terminal near O. R. Tambo International Airport. Scheduled services primarily connect Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport with lodges and airstrips in the Greater Kruger, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Thornybush, Madikwe, Marakele and Phinda areas. Charter operations can reach additional destinations across Southern Africa.
FedAir operates a mixed fleet selected for short sectors and airstrips with limited infrastructure. Aircraft associated with its operations include Cessna 208 Caravan turboprops, Pilatus PC-12s, Beechcraft 1900s and Embraer ERJ145 regional jets, although assignments vary by route and passenger demand. Safari shuttle aircraft generally have a single passenger cabin rather than separate economy and premium classes, while onboard service is simpler than on a mainline airline.
Federal Air does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and it does not operate a conventional frequent-flyer programme. Its services are often booked as part of a safari itinerary through lodges, tour operators or travel advisers. Travellers connecting from another airline should therefore treat the FedAir sector as a separate journey and allow sufficient transfer time.
The airline's defining strength is its ability to fly close to remote safari properties, reducing lengthy road transfers and sometimes serving private airstrips unavailable to larger carriers. The trade-off is that operations depend heavily on aircraft weight, weather and local airstrip conditions. Timings may be consolidated around passenger movements, and intermediate stops can occur, so travellers should expect a more flexible operating model than a conventional scheduled network.
Good to know
Flying with Federal Air — what to expect
Soft Bags Preferred
FedAir recommends soft-sided luggage because small safari aircraft have compact and irregularly shaped baggage compartments. Large rigid suitcases may need to be stored or transported separately.
Strict Weight Limits
Baggage allowances are governed by aircraft weight-and-balance requirements and can be more restrictive than those of international airlines. Arrange excess or unusually bulky baggage with FedAir before travelling.
Private Johannesburg Terminal
FedAir uses its own facility near O. R. Tambo International Airport rather than a normal airline departure gate. Confirm the meeting point and allow time for the transfer between terminals.
Possible Intermediate Stops
Safari shuttle services may call at several lodge airstrips as passengers are collected or dropped off. The final operating sequence can vary with the day's bookings and conditions.
Weather Affects Operations
Flights to remote airstrips can be affected by thunderstorms, visibility and local runway conditions. Avoid arranging tight onward connections, particularly during periods of unsettled weather.
Simple Cabin Service
Most shuttle sectors use small aircraft with a single cabin and limited onboard amenities. Dress comfortably and keep essential medication or valuables in the small personal item permitted in the cabin.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Federal Air
Notable destinations on Federal Air's network.
7VJohannesburgdirect7VMbombeladirect7VHoedspruitdirectDestination list is indicative of Federal Air's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Federal Air — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Cabin baggage must be small and light enough for the limited storage aboard safari aircraft, and soft-sided bags are preferable. Check the allowance shown with your booking because weight and dimensions may depend on the aircraft and itinerary.
- Federal Air links Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga with safari areas including the Greater Kruger, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Thornybush, Madikwe, Marakele and Phinda. Many services land at lodge or private-reserve airstrips rather than city airports.
- Federal Air does not publish one stable longest scheduled route, as its shuttle patterns and charter assignments vary. Longer charter services may extend elsewhere in Southern Africa, while scheduled flying is concentrated on Johannesburg, the Lowveld and safari reserves.
- Prices depend more on safari demand, lodge availability and season than on a universal booking day. Compare dates around your itinerary and book early for South African school holidays and peak wildlife-travel periods.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Availability for specialist safari sectors may still depend on FedAir, participating agencies or packaged lodge arrangements.
- Federal Air's primary operating gateway is Johannesburg, where it uses a private terminal near O. R. Tambo International Airport. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is another important base for connections to Lowveld safari lodges.
- Federal Air does not maintain a simple fixed destination count because its scheduled shuttle points can change and its charter network is broader. Its published network encompasses numerous safari lodges, reserves and regional airstrips across Southern Africa.
- The main departure points are Federal Air's private Johannesburg facility near O. R. Tambo International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Mbombela. Some safari sectors also originate at lodge airstrips within the Lowveld network.