JSE-listed low-cost carrier 1time on Wednesday announced that it would undertake its first flight to Maputo, in Mozambique, on August 20.

The airline, which saw an increase in passenger numbers and revenues in the first half of this year, said that it would carry about two-million passengers during 2010.

With the additional route to Maputo, it would operate 11 routes and undertake in excess of 1 300 flights a month.

Meanwhile, the airline noted that higher fuel and airport costs had offset the higher revenues earned during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Further, while revenues generated in June had been better than previously expected, as a result of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, May had seen less corporate travel than usual.

Nevertheless, the 1time Charters business had also recorded increased volumes during the sports event, which would positively contribute to the group’s overall performance for the six-month period.

The group’s Safair Technical subsidiary had, however, not been profitable during the six months.

A cost reduction programme had been implemented in June, which was expected to ensure the subsidiary’s return to profitability in the second half of this year.

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