Football World Cup demand worries continue unabated

Worries continue about whether the football World Cup in South Africa will be a good business earner for broker and operators.

Bookings are slow according to Steve Anderson, ceo of Elite Jet, a large aircraft operator based at Lanseria airport in Johannesburg. "We are seeing a lot of interest, and I understand from colleagues that everyone is quoting like mad - but there are very, very few people placing deposits," he says. "Even the airlines are reporting sluggish demand". Anderson feels that the world economy coupled with the distances fans have to fly are also impacting negatively on demand. He points out: "With a European event, fans could fly out in the morning, watch a game, and be home for work the next morning. To do this for our event is not possible."

But he adds: "As charter operators we do expect a spike in demand as the quarter and semi finals approach, but this will be a small increase and short lived."

But incoming business aircraft and their operators do however arrange parking, slots and handling as soon as possible, as planning by authorities has been oriented to airline traffic, he warns.

Meanwhile, ProAir reports that tickets for all the top games are in great demand. "Charter flights down to the region and internally are also being secured in advance." ProAir has tickets available.