Review: Airlink Embraer RJ135 Johannesburg-Vilankulos (VNX) Economy
Intro
I love writing reviews, but few reviews get me as excited as this one: flying to what is now my favorite country in the world. I hope you enjoy it, especially the views of the landing.
The next portion of my first great African adventure would see me heading to country number 96 (now at 112, for those wondering). I was especially excited to be heading to Mozambique for a number of reasons, but the main one (originally) was due to the notorious fishing captain legend Duarte, whom I had been in contact with. However, this time in Mozambique was much more than fishing, as you will soon find out.
This specific flight from Johannesburg to Vilankulo was nothing short of the same "Airlink hospitality" I had received on my previous two flights. A nice meal, free-flowing red wine (maybe one too many), and a single seat to myself; it was very pleasant.
Route-Johannesburg-Vilankulo (VNX)
Seat- 1A
Flight Number- 4Z262
Aircraft- Embraer RJ135
Date- June 17th 2024
Flight Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Price Paid: 352$
How I Booked
Flights into VIlankulo airport (VNX) are traditionally quite expensive. There are two main carriers that operate into VNX; one being Airlink, with a couple of daily flights, and the other is LAM (the local airline in Mozambique). I ended up paying 352 USD one way for this flight, which I thought was quite high.
Johannesburg Airport
Once finishing up my Nandos in the landside part of the terminal, I made my way over to the international departures area. Historically, I have found the immigration situation in Johannesburg to be shambolic, but today wasn't that bad.
Every time I fly, there are constant people pushing through to the front. The last time (last month), someone tried to go through, but I saw that they weren't boarding for another 40 minutes. I hate to be that person, but everyone else is waiting patiently.
I digress; once airside, I decided to do a little bit of exploring around the airport and came across this beautiful Air Mauritius A350. Talk about an elegant aircraft.
Boarding
As I had cut my connection decently close after stopping for food, it was soon time to board this small RJ135. Unfortunately, most of these smaller aircraft use the dreaded downstairs A gates, which means you get confined to the giant Airlink waiting room.
By 1:55 pm, all of the 21 passengers onboard were loaded onto the bus, and it was off to our remote stand for the day.
There are certainly worse airports to drive around, as we got up and close with multiple widebodies waiting for their evening departures to (mostly) Europe.
It was a short ride out to our remote gate, and once we arrived, we were instructed to wait onboard the bus while the ramp agent confirmed we could board.
BY 2:05, we were ushered on board like a mad dash, like a river breaking a dam. Gotta say, this plane looks gorgeous up close.
Once onboard, we were all very warmly greeted on this cold South African afternoon.
The Seat/Cabin
The seat layout on the RJ135 is one of my favorites in the world for flying. Seats are laid in a 1-2 configuration in all economy, allowing for couples to sit together, as well as solo travelers.
However, even if I selected seat 1A, the legroom was tight across the board, no matter which seat you are in. The other added benefit of 1A is that you get to whole windows! Be aware that the galley is an arm's length away 🥴.
Departure
By 2:10, boarding was fully wrapped up, and the captain came on to announce our pushback momentarily and our flight time of an hour and 20 minutes over to Vilankulo.
Unfortunately, it turned out that we were heavily delayed by a whole MINUTE. That's it; I am taking it up with the aviation authorities in South Africa 🥴 (I'm joking if you haven't gathered).
We were lucky on this afternoon, as the taxi out to the runway was no more than 4 minutes. Combining that with some views over the parked widebodies, it was a fantastic departure.
Meal Service
Once airborne, there were some fantastic views over Eastern South Africa as we waited for the meal service to commence.
Around 20 minutes after takeoff, the meal service commenced with the choice of chicken or beef (same choices as the JNB-CPT flight), and I chose the beef, which was good. The protein chips will always have my heart, though.
Additionally, the standard choice of beverages was available, and I chose a glass of red wine to accompany the meal. The crew was fantastic, keeping my glass topped up throughout the flight (perhaps a little too much).
For dessert, I bought an Aero bar at the airport to enjoy on the plane. As a kid, Aero was my favorite candy in the world, and as I don't go back much to England, it's always a must-buy when I see them.
All in all, the meal service was wrapped up within 35 minutes after takeoff (thanks to the very light load).
Lavatories
Seeing as I was on an RJ135, it was only right that I checked out the lavatory in the back of the plane. It was quite small but kept clean the two times that I used it, so that's worth something.
IFE+Wifi
When it comes to inflight entertainment, don't expect the whole "Airlink experience" on these small jets. There is no wifi or inflight entertainment onboard, but most routes that are served are so short that I don't personally mind. However, there is a magazine on the back of the seatback that showcased this unique aviation hotel in SA.
Arrival
Soon enough, the captain announced our initial descent into Vilankulo's small airport. Excitement filled my mind as I had heard reports of a nice 250lb black marlin being released the day before.
10 minutes elapsed before I got my first glimpse of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Love at first sight? Considering it is my favorite "City" in my favorite country in the world, I would say yes.
We touched down onto the single runway (North to South today) at 2:42 pm local time.
This airport is properly small, and we ended up having to backtaxi as there are no taxiways 🙂 (the airport gets no more than 5 daily flights).
However, what you do get at Vilankulo airport is the door-to-door service, pulling up the closest I ever have to the terminal in my years of flying (minus landing into a field of zebras in a Cessna caravan).
Just like that, I got off the plane first, where there was no wait for my visa on arrival. The cost came out to something around 20 USD for one person, and it granted me 30 days in the country of Mozambique.
My host on Airbnb, Cristina, was waiting for me airside with her husband to greet me. What I didn't realize was that over the next 4 days, I would be welcomed like no other place I had ever been.
Final Thoughts
Another very nice flight onboard Airlink from Johannesburg to Vilankulo. The crew was fantastic, serving meals promptly and keeping my glass of wine refilled; the 1-2 configuration on these RJ135s is a pleasure to fly, and the whole "Airlink experience" really matches the ring. Just be aware that there is no IFE of Wifi on these small jets, but personally, that isn't much of an issue for me.
I would also like to add that I am not entirely sure the correct way to spell this city. I've heard "Vilankulo", but also "Vilanculos", but also "Vilankulos" so apologies.
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