Comair, SAA to resume operations next month

British Airways and Kulula will return to the sky from next week following a temporary suspension of services due to Covid-19 restrictions and a low demand for air travel, announced Comair in a statement on Wednesday.

The airline suspended services last month after the implementation of Level 4 lockdown prohibited non-essential travel in and out of Gauteng.

“The airline has been working on new, flexible fare options to better meet customers’ requirements, and is also looking to reopen more routes such as Mauritius,” said Comair in a statement on Wednesday.

“It is now preparing its aircraft, flight and cabin crews and airport personnel to ensure a seamless restart of services.”

Comair marketing executive Brian Kitchin said British Airways will re-launch its Johannesburg/ Mauritius route operating two flights a week from 30 November.

It plans to add a third flight in future.

SAA back resumes flights

The South African Airways (SAA) will also resume operations on Thursday, 23 September, with voyager bookings and Travel Credit Voucher redemption available from Monday, 6 September.

Interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo said: “After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming on board our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to COVID-19 protocols.”

The airline will operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo during its initial phase and add more destinations as it ramps up operations in response to market conditions.

“There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within Team SAA as we prepare for takeoff, with one common purpose – to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental, and international airlines,” said Kgokolo.

“The aviation sector is currently going through a testing period, and we are aware of the tough challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks. We thank South Africa for the support we have received in getting us to where we are today. As we are now poised for takeoff, we see this as a major milestone for SAA and the country.”