Ethiopian operator Aquarius Aviation is ready to commence air safari and charter flight services using its recently delivered Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX, manufactured in 2014. Engineered for challenging missions, high payloads and short, rough runways and delivering single engine economy and simplicity, it is a high performance, reliable aircraft that gives unobstructed views.

"The Caravan is a good aircraft for us," says managing director Frehiwot Tessema. "We were used to operating aircraft that were a bit faster but the Caravan is able to fly slow and low, which makes it good for taking pictures and a top choice for scenic flights. Some landing sites here are not tarmac but this can land anywhere in Ethiopia, and it has short field capability too."

Previously the company had a Beech 1900 and two Aero Commanders with which it had been serving oil and gas production companies such as Petronas, Tullow and Africa Oil, as well as diplomatic missions, since it was established in 2009. "But after the oil crash, the market really slowed down," she continues. "The last three years have been quite a struggle for us. We decided to diversify because the oil and gas sector has still not picked back up, so tourism has become our focus. More people are coming to Ethiopia and we have one of the fastest growing economies on the continent, so that presents us with a good opportunity. Safaris are now our main business so we have taken a completely new path."

She adds that helicopters and Caravans have been coming into Ethiopia from South Africa and Kenya and the company decided to take advantage of this. With its Caravan Aquarius can plan and prepare itineraries to fly for clients who want exclusive air safari services. The aircraft will have professional crew, including specialist guides, and all ground transport and accommodation will be arranged by Aquarius' partner companies. It is currently working with several international agents and is affiliated with Wild Expeditions, a ground operator specialising in unique and exciting journeys through Ethiopia and east Africa. The itineraries are tailored to visit several destinations over a period of between five to 14 days. The aircraft will ferry guests via a scenic flight to chosen destinations and will be on standby for the guests if there is a need to divert for any reason.

Aquarius' crew have fully qualified ATPLs, experience in bush piloting and comprise friendly, safety and customer-oriented Ethiopian pilots.

"Aquarius is very excited about this development as no other operator is performing these unique air safari operations in Ethiopia with a fixed wing craft at the moment," she concludes. "And we are looking to acquire more Caravans as we expect our safari business to grow."