A private jet on the runway ready for passengers to embark.
Image: Yuri G/ Unsplash
The route from Johannesburg to Durban stands as one of South Africa's most travelled corridors, offering two distinct methods of transport: a picturesque six-hour drive along the well-maintained N3 freeway or a quick one-hour-and-ten-minute flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to King Shaka International Airport.
Both options are cost-effective and provide convenience for the average South African traveller, whether they choose to take a bus, flight, taxi, or train.
But amid the multitude of travel choices, the question arises: Are South Africans willing to fork out the hefty sum associated with private charter flights?
Goitse Diale, a private charter pilot, recently ignited a conversation on the social media platform X (previously Twitter) by questioning why private charters have not gained more traction for this popular route.
His tweet highlighted a surprising figure: “R80k gets you on a private jet from Joburg to Durban. Why don’t people do it often? Is the flight time to cost ratio unreasonable?”
This prompted a flurry of responses from netizens, showcasing the varying perceptions of private air travel in South Africa.
User @StaxGoldman chimed in with a practical perspective, noting, “The flight time from Jozi to Durban with a strong tailwind is 45 minutes, lol. You barely have time to eat a meal on that flight.
"Do you really want to pay R80,000 to be in an even slower twin-propeller airplane, which is tiny, stuffy, and noisy? Just to say you flew ‘private’? And you are not going in a fancy Gulfstream or Challenger.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with @against_biased questioning the necessity of business class on such a short flight, while @MichConstant pointed out the stark economic realities: “Because most people can’t afford it. What country do you live in?”
User @SagewaseSouthAh laid out a comparative breakdown of travel costs: “Jet: R80,000, Self-driving: R326 + full tank, Normal flight: R800, Bus: R530, Taxi: R300, Train: R170. The choice is yours, really, but all I know is I will be left with over R79,000.”
This intricate dialogue underscores a vital reality: while the allure of private jets may captivate a niche market, the practical and financial implications are a significant barrier for the majority of South Africans.
The cost-benefit ratio tilts heavily in favour of more traditional modes of transport that offer both accessibility and affordability.
As the conversation evolves, it raises important questions about the future of private air travel in South Africa.
Will we see a shift towards these luxurious flights as the travel landscape continues to adapt? Or will the traditional road and air routes remain steadfast choices among South African commuters?
