LIFT Airlines touched down in Durban for the first time yesterday, and was treated to an epic welcome. Check it out…
LIFT officially launches Johannesburg to Durban route
Yesterday, 26 October, saw LIFT Airlines touch down at King Shaka International Airport in their inaugural connection between Johannesburg and Durban.
LIFT CEO, Jonathan Ayache, said that the airline’s launch followed relentless demand and they started exploring options for a Durban route around two years ago.
“It was in the heart of lockdown. We had this idea that because of Covid there [was a potential need for] an airline with a difference, one that is customer-centric and brings with it hospitality,” Ayache said.
After receiving a water salute upon arrival, the airline was treated to a joyous celebration at King Shaka International Airport, with some great traditional Zulu and Indian dancing. Take a look:
LIFT Airlines, which took to the skies in December 2020 with just one scheduled route in its network, flying Johannesburg to Cape Town.
As well as this new route, LIFT will also increase its frequency between Johannesburg and Cape Town to up to 14 flights per day, adding more seats to the popular route.
ALSO READ: More ‘Lifts’ for SA: LIFT Airline plans to increase capacity
Cape Town to Durban too?
The question on everyone’s minds right now though: Will LIFT offer a new Cape Town to Durban route as well? According to tourism update, the airline says its expansion has now begun with this first step in connecting the popular ‘Golden Triangle’ between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
The next step will indeed be connecting Cape Town and Durban. Although the opening date for bookings is yet to be confirmed, flights are expected to begin operating in November this year.
Jonathan Ayache, Lift CEO and co-founder, said that it has been a challenging two years but they expect the market to recover to pre-pandemic levels in late 2023.
“We’re also adding four aircraft to our fleet which has been done using flexible capacity and can easily be increased or decreased based on demand. This growth in our fleet and new routes will create more than 100 new jobs before the end of the year,” Ayache said.
He also added that for a second year in a row, they would be doubling their seat capacity.
