PODCAST: LIFT launches flights to Durban and expands fleet
LIFT's first flights will start operating on 26 October 2022 with three return flights per day.
LIFT’s expansion has started with the launch of the Johannesburg → Durban route. This is their first step in connecting the popular ‘Golden Triangle’ between Johannesburg → Durban → Cape Town.
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Bookings for LIFT's Johannesburg to Durban route was launched on 22 September 2022 and the first flights will start operating on 26 October 2022 with three return flights per day. Booking dates for the Cape Town → Durban route will be confirmed in the coming weeks with flights expected to operate from November.
In addition to the new route, LIFT will be increasing its flight frequency between Johannesburg and Cape Town with up to 14 flights per day.
We couldn’t be more excited to add Durban to our list of destinations, it’s one of the most common requests we receive on social media and has been on our radar for a while. 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. It's been a challenging two years but looking ahead we expect the market to recover to pre-pandemic levels in late 2023 and for a second year in a row we will be doubling our seat capacity.
Travelers to or from Durban can now look forward to all the perks flying LIFT has to offer. These include complimentary snacks, coffee from Vida e Cafe, extra-friendly service from the stylish cabin crew and flexible flight changes with unlimited penalty-free changes, no cancellation fees, and quick and easy refunds into your LIFT wallet. LIFT also offers selected dog-friendly flights making travel with your fur baby a breeze.
LIFT also has a business-class product called ‘LIFT Premium’ offering industry-leading legroom and more spacious seating. Premium passengers also enjoy an elevated snack and drinks offering, priority boarding, fast-track security, priority support, a dedicated check-in area and lounge access.
LIFT’s launch of its Johannesburg - Durban route has also been welcomed by key stakeholders from KwaZulu-Natal.
Read more: Up, up, and away! LIFT introduces new Joburg to Durban route
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, MEC Siboniso Duma expressed his excitement and appreciation about LIFT’s launch. “We are looking forward to LIFT’s launch and to welcoming thousands of tourists to our shores. The recent launch of Tourism Month on the 15th of September 2022 demonstrated our readiness to host visitors that have chosen to make KwaZulu-Natal their destination of choice.” said Duma.
The Mayor of Durban, CLLR Mxolisi Kaunda, said about the launch:
“This is great news for Durban. LIFT’s launch and an additional domestic airline in traveling to Durban is critical for tourism and will support those wanting to visit over the coming festive season. We warmly welcome LIFT as it will unlock domestic tourism”
Hamish Erskine, Durban Direct co-chair Durban Direct and CEO of Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone said "We are delighted by the announcement that LIFT will be introducing flights into Durban. The airline promises a unique experience for the KwaZulu-Natal traveler while providing South Africans with another competitive option to connect between Gauteng and KZN.
Phindile Makwakwa co-chair of Durban Direct and ACEO KwaZulu-Natal Tourism noted:
"The KZN market has been eagerly awaiting the establishment of this new and exciting air service by LIFT. The airline adds additional seat capacity to the Durban market, which improves access to our destination for both our business and leisure travelers.
The importance of air transport to South Africa continues to be highlighted by the role domestic and international airlines play in the movement of people, commodities and investments that fuel our economic development."
To book your flight visit lift.co.za!
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