Blu Crane Air (Port Elizabeth) is planning to launch operations later in March offering five times weekly service between Port Elizabeth and East London. The start-up is backed by Port Elizabeth based gynaecologist Marcus van Heerden and plans to use a six seat Cessna 414. Blu Crane will offer check-in at its offices with chauffeur service to the aircraft allowing passengers to check-in shortly before departure and hopes to lure passengers away from competitor Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) this way. Airlink currently offers twice weekdaily Jetstream 41 service on the route.