Fireblade Aviation celebrates its 10th anniversary by driving positive change in local aviation and partnering with Reach For a Dream to fulfil children’s dreams.
Johannesburg, South Africa (12 July 2024) – Local aviation, tourism, and investment play crucial roles in South Africa’s economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and promoting the country’s rich heritage to the world.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary of making a difference in the local aviation field, Fireblade Aviation announced a heartwarming partnership with the Reach For a Dream Foundation (RFAD).
Fireblade Aviation, initially established as the Anglo-American flight department, rebranded in 2014 to offer comprehensive services for business and leisure travellers. Based at OR Tambo International Airport, Fireblade has become a vital player in the aviation industry, promoting tourism and investment in Africa.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Managing Director Leigh Kretzschmar emphasised the importance of enhancing travel efficiency to boost the business case for Africa.
“Tourism has been in a transformative space in recent years, with charter services being more accessible not only for business travel but leisure and group leisure travel as well. More individuals are realising that the cost associated with private aviation is not as prohibitive as one might think,” Kretzschmar noted.
Committed to Positive Change
Beyond meeting the growing demand for private travel, Fireblade is dedicated to transforming the aviation industry. This commitment includes prioritising sustainability, inclusivity and diversity and encouraging young people, especially girls, to consider careers in aviation. In celebration of their anniversary, Fireblade has launched a series of children’s books to spark interest in aviation among young readers.
“If the industry intends on building a sustainable future, it needs to reach out and inspire a broader range of people, particularly as international demand for aviation resources is taking our people abroad,” says Kretzschmar.
Partnership with Reach For a Dream
In a significant move to give back to the community, Fireblade Aviation partnered with the Reach For a Dream Foundation (RFAD), which has been fulfilling dreams for children with serious illnesses for 36 years.
The partnership, announced at Fireblade’s anniversary event in Johannesburg, aims to raise R2 million by selling 10,000 tickets for a 5-star chartered getaway. This effort will support RFAD’s mission to grant dreams to 2,200 children this year.
“The power of partnerships enables businesses to grow and opportunities to flourish,” said Kretzschmar. “While we manage two very different business models, there are shared synergies between RFAD and ourselves – both organisations focus on working around the clock to create tailored experiences that bring dreams to life. This partnership enables us to broaden access to families with seriously ill children.”
RFAD CEO Julia Sotirianakos expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting that every dream costs approximately R5,000. The funds raised could support around 400 dreams or contribute to projects like Dream Rooms in hospitals or Dream Club outings.
“This fundraiser is just the start, Fireblade will help us to take children to the skies as part of their own desire to give back to the community,” said Sotirianakos.
Looking Forward
Fireblade Aviation’s commitment to making a long-term impact on the industry extends to empowering the communities it operates in and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders. The company remains focused on boosting South African tourism, fueling business travel into Africa, and strengthening local aviation.
“Aviation is an enhancer. It creates employment, facilitates trade, enables tourism, and supports sustainable development. Our focus beyond our first 10 years in the industry remains on boosting South African tourism by creating lasting impressions, fuelling business travel into Africa, and bolstering local aviation,” she concludes.
With a successful decade behind them and a bright future ahead, Fireblade Aviation continues to soar, driven by its mission to make extraordinary experiences accessible to all and to inspire dreams in the hearts of South Africa’s youth.
For more information and to purchase a raffle ticket, visit www.dreamraffle.co.za.
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