LIFT Airlines touched down at King Shaka International Airport on Wednesday to launch the first of its three daily flights between Johannesburg and Durban.
The start-up airline, which was established two years ago, has grown its route network to include Durban, entering one of South Africa’s most popular routes.
“The launch of Lift Airlines air services to Durban is a welcome addition to King Shaka International Airport, improving the much-needed capacity on one of South Africa’s most popular routes – Durban to Johannesburg,” said MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KZN, Siboniso Duma.
History has been made as the first Lift flight from Johannesburg to Durban has landed @kingshakaint today, 26 October 2022 🗞🛬🇿🇦#Lift #Johannesburg #Durban #CatchFlights #KZN #kznhasitall #zwakala pic.twitter.com/cxXqr0Vnp7
— Tourism KZN (@TourismKZN) October 26, 2022
Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Mxolisi Kaunda echoed Duma’s positive sentiments.
“For any city to compete on a global stage, it is crucial to have a vibrant and competitive aviation industry because it facilitates international trade and drives rapid growth in tourism. We are pleased that this launch takes place at the time when the City is implementing its summer season campaign. We have no doubt that this event will contribute immensely to our efforts of attracting more than 900 000 visitors to the city during the festive season.”
The CEO and co-founder of Lift, Jonathan Ayache, said he was happy to contribute to Durban’s tourism.
“It’s no secret that Durban has had its fair share of struggles over the past two years, and we are just so proud and happy to play a small part in bringing back travel and tourism to such a deserving city. Durban is one of the most common requests we receive on social media and has been on our radar for a while, and for that, we couldn’t be more excited.”
