New South African airline takes off despite pandemic headwinds

A new low-cost domestic airline took off Thursday in South Africa, marking a rare launch when many airlines grounded by the coronavirus pandemic are battling to stay aloft.

Branded LIFT, it was co-founded by Gidon Novick, formerly head of budget airline Kulula, and Jonathan Ayache, ex-general manager of Uber South Africa.

The airline has already sold more than 30,000 tickets since pre-launch sales opened last month.

Travellers will be able to change or cancel reservations more than 24 hours before departure without incurring penalty fees.

LIFT took to the skies as airlines across the world struggle to pick up the pieces following months of coronavirus lockdowns.

The owners are unfazed and pinning their hopes on new vaccines.

“With a vaccine in sight, people will continue to travel to see family, friends and business colleagues and will also continue to explore the world,” Ayache forecast in a statement.

The airline will operate Airbus A320s, it said in a statement that did not disclose the fleet size.