Meet the Team & Explore Our Cessna Fleet
At Africa Sky Runners, people and aircraft make the difference: experienced bush pilots up front; proven Cessnas under wing. Together, they turn big African distances into short, safe hops—so you spend more time in the wild and less time on road transfers.
With Nicola's exceptional passion, visionary flair, and boundless creativity, coupled with Mike's business acumen, passion for nature and client experiences, you are presented with the perfect team to organise a thrilling and secure journey of air-bound adventure and exploration.
Africa Sky Runners
Live your dream. Fly the wild.
Why Fly with Africa Sky Runners
We specialise in making remote adventures accessible by air, from scenic flights over the Cape to multi-day air safaris across Southern Africa. We’re SATSA-affiliated and part of Cape Town Tourism, and we proudly support conservation through The Bateleurs. Expect disciplined flying, plain-English (or Italian!) briefings and itineraries that run seamlessly.
Our Founding Pilots
Mike White, Co-Founder & Commercial Pilot
With 700+ hours in small bush planes and ratings from night to instrument, Mike shifted from banking to the bush to focus on aviation, nature and client experience. Expect calm briefings, smooth landings and an infectious passion for the wild.
Partnering with Nicola , Mike's aviation journey began in 2017, sharing countless flying escapades across Africa's remote, air-accessible treasures. Having abandoned a senior banking role, Mike's career shift signifies his unwavering passion for nature, aviation, travel, and crafting extraordinary client experiences. He acquired his private pilot license in 2018, progressing to night and instrument ratings and culminating in a Commercial Pilot License. His fervour for flying permeates every facet of his work, allowing guests to savour the world from a unique aerial vantage. Beyond aviation, Mike harbours a deep affinity for nature and wildlife, seeking to facilitate profound connections with Africa's stunning landscapes and fauna. His adventurous spirit and zest for life are infectious, underpinned by an unyielding commitment to safety and excellence. Outside the cockpit, Mike immerses himself in various outdoor pursuits, including paragliding, mountain biking, and photography. His extensive flying experience, nature devotion, and dedication to unparalleled adventures cement Mike White as a vital contributor to our team, turning dreams of immersive air safari experiences into reality for our guests.
Nicola Quagliere, Founder & Airline Captain
An Airbus A320 Captain with roots in South Africa’s bush flying, Nicola shaped the “Africa Sky Runner” concept after logging 70+ hours across 35 destinations on a landmark expedition. He’s equally at home on gravel strips and international runways—and he’s FGASA-qualified to add context in the field.
His aviation odyssey commenced in 1994 in South Africa, where he secured his Commercial Pilot License. Returning to his homeland, Italy, Nicola ascended to the role of Airbus A320 Captain at Ita Airways, showcasing his aviation prowess. While his current role is in commercial aviation, Nicola's heart lies in exploring the African skies. His love for flying led to remarkable journeys across Southern Africa, mastering bush flying amidst rugged terrains and stunning landscapes. In 2005, commemorating a decade since obtaining his license, he embarked on a three-month expedition, logging over 70 flight hours across 35 destinations, from iconic sites like Epupa Falls to remote corners of Northern Malawi. This epic journey gave birth to "Africa Sky Runner," a unique concept celebrating Africa's untamed beauty. Over two years, Nicola meticulously crafted a comprehensive product, including remote landing areas, lodges, camping sites, and tailored accommodations. This endeavor aimed to make adventures accessible by air, encompassing seamless execution of customs, immigration, transportation, and activities. Nicola's commitment extended beyond aviation as he pursued FGASA certification, enhancing his ability to provide insightful and educational experiences in Africa's breathtaking landscapes. In essence, Nicola Quagliere's story is one of unwavering passion, audacious exploration, and visionary entrepreneurship, bridging the African skies with the aviation industry while crafting exceptional, unique travel experiences for adventurers worldwide.
Our Cessna Fleet for Air Safaris & Scenic Flights
Experience luxury and style when you choose Africa Sky Runners for your private air charter, flying safaris, flying experiences, and Cape scenic flights. Along with our partners, we deliver your experience with a fleet of Cessnas to adapt to your group size and to provide the best experience and safety - so you can relax and enjoy the journey and explore the skies in style and create memories that will last a lifetime.
CESSNA 210
The Cessna 210 stands as a six-seat, high-performance marvel, featuring retractable gear, a single potent engine, and a high-wing design, marking its prominent status within the realm of general aviation's light aircraft.
The 210 is known for its versatility, speed, and safety and is the perfect air safari aircraft.
CESSNA 206
The Cessna 206, known also as the Stationair, are a family of single-engined, general aviation aircraft with fixed landing gear, used in commercial air service as well as for personal use. Also having a high wing design 206's are renowned for their visibility, flexibility, safety and durability and are perfect air safari aircraft.
CESSNA 208 ("Caravan")
For larger single groups, the Cessna Caravan - a turbine powered, 14 seat aircraft is the answer. It's been called the "Swiss Army Knife of the sky", highlighting its multi-functional capability and robust design, reliability and adaptability to environments.
Depending on configuration, the Cessna 208 Caravan can carry up to 12 passengers.
With large windows and high wing configuration it continues to offer amazing panoramic views, and is built for unpaved and short remote airstrips with incredible short take-off and landing performance
Safety, Maintenance & Operating Standards
Your itinerary only proceeds when conditions, aircraft and crew are aligned. We plan conservatively, brief clearly and collaborate with trusted maintenance partners. The result: trips that run to plan and land where the adventure begins.
Where We Fly
From Cape Peninsula and Hermanus whale routes to Overberg, Karoo and the Kalahari—plus bespoke routes into Southern Africa’s parks and private reserves.
Plan Your Flight
Ready to trade long road legs for effortless airtime?
Call/WhatsApp: +27 (0)83 760 1330
Email: info@africaskyrunners.com
Top 5 FAQs
How many passengers can you take?
From 2–5 in the Cessna 210/206 to up to 12 in the Caravan (configuration-dependent). We’ll advise the right aircraft for your route, weights and runway conditions.
Do you operate to short or gravel strips?
Yes—our high-wing Cessnas are built for remote, short and unpaved strips, subject to performance, runway length/surface and weather.
Where do flights depart from?
Typically the Cape Town/Stellenbosch region for scenic flights, with bespoke positioning for safaris across South Africa.
What luggage should we bring?
Soft bags only, with sensible weight limits per passenger/aircraft. We’ll confirm exact kilogram allowances once your route and aircraft are finalised.
Are your pilots airline-rated?
Our founders include a current Airbus A320 Captain and a Commercial Pilot with instrument/night ratings and significant bush time.
We Support
Africa Sky Runners supports The Bateleurs NPC in their mission to provide aerial support for the environment in South Africa and other parts of Africa, through annual donations.