Mpeshe Selebalo
MASERU — The Matekane Group of Companies has now ventured into the aviation industry with the recent purchase of two aircraft — an eight-seater twin engine private jet and helicopter.
MGC is a major player in the mining, road construction, farming and property development industries and the arrival of its first aircraft — a Hawker 700A mid-sized executive jet — at the Moshoeshoe I International Airport on December 4 marked yet another milestone for the company.
With the seven-seater German-made Eurocopter EC 135 arriving in the country exactly a week later Sam Matekane became the first Mosotho to venture into the aviation business.
In a statement, Matekane said the jet was expected to be hired for both international business and personal trips, while the helicopter is meant for faster travel by MGC executives when visiting the company’s various projects. The chopper, he said, can also be used as an ambulance, as well as cargo carrier.
Matekane said the jet had already landed some contracts in South Africa.
“The jet is already involved in a contract with the South Africa-based National Airways in Lanseria, Johannesburg for charter purposes,” said Matekane.
“The machine offers spacious relaxation during flight and can be arranged for either economy or executive flights, just by changing the seating arrangement. Extra seats are available for this purpose.”
“The interior is built in a manner that reflects its executive class: the seating arrangement allows for passengers to engage in meetings while aloft.”
The jet — according to the statement — took just 35 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Maseru. Friends were then taken on a cruise around Lesotho a day after its arrival and later in the day, took Matekane and five of his colleagues to Cape Town for a cruise and back.
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