South African LCC Lift to debut ops in late 4Q20

South Africa’s newest budget airline will be called Lift Airlines (Johannesburg O.R. Tambo), its founders have announced. The virtual carrier is scheduled to lift-off on December 10, 2020, with 5x daily return flights between Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and Cape Town. A second route is to be announced soon. Lift is a joint venture between established ACMI/charter specialist Global Aviation Operations (GE, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo), former Comair (South Africa) (MN, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) Joint Chief Executive Gidon Novick, and former Uber executive Jonathan Ayache. Novick told ch-aviation the starting date might be brought forward to make the most of South Africa’s peak holiday season in December. Ticket sales would start next week on the company’s new website. Novick confirmed three of Global’s seven A320-200s would be used for the operation. Global has the necessary existing scheduled domestic air services license, Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), and Air Maintenance Organisation (AMO) registration in South Africa to carry out the operational side of the venture, with Novick and Ayache having assembled an experienced team to take care of marketing and sales. “Lift” found its name from 25,000 suggestions submitted by South Africans who stood to win a year’s free travel on the airline if their name was chosen. “Some were thoughtful and inspiring, like ‘Ubuntu Air’ and ‘FlyMzansi’. ’Djyrynie’ and ‘Planey McPlaneface’ were never going to fly, while ‘Gravy Plane’ must have confused us with another airline!” commented Novick. He said ultimately the decision came down to a name that was relevant, unique, optimistic, and easy to pronounce and remember. Eight people came up with the name “Lift”, and have agreed to share the prize.