Lift has announced that it will expand its airline fleet with four Airbus aircraft.
The South African carrier which started up during the Covid-19 pandemic is set for expansion.
Lift Airline to expand fleet
Lift’s Chief Commercial Officer, Cilliers Jordaan, told Ch-Aviation that the carrier was adding four aircraft to its fleet. The additional aircraft are Airbus A320ceo models.
Two of these have already arrived in South Africa and are undergoing refurbishment and maintenance checks in Johannesburg, before they enter service with the airline. A further two A320s have yet to arrive.
The airline currently has a fleet comprising six Airbus A320-200 aircraft, each configured with 150 economy and 12 premium seats.
Beyond South Africa
Lift has also appointed a General Sales Agent (GSA) to represent it further afield. The carrier has appointed AirlinePros International as its GSA in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain and France.
“We are delighted to represent Lift across Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, and France,” said Shreyas Nanavati, CEO of AirlinePros International.
The partnership is set to strengthen Lift’s international sales presence and support growing demand for travel to South Africa from these countries.
Through this appointment, AirlinePros International will support Lift with sales development, trade engagement, marketing, and customer service activities across the five markets.
“Lift brings a distinctive, customer-first approach to domestic air travel in South Africa, and we see strong potential to introduce that value proposition to international travel sellers. As demand for South Africa continues to grow across leisure, business, and VFR segments, this partnership allows us to help position Lift as a natural choice for travellers connecting within the country.” Nanavati said.
The collaboration will focus on building greater visibility for Lift among travel agents, tour operators, corporate travel buyers, and other industry partners, while making it easier for the travel trade to promote and sell Lift’s services to South Africa-bound travellers.
“We are excited to partner with Airline Pros who will represent and support Lift’s Sales and Distribution initiatives in some key international markets. Their wealth of experience, combined with their professionalism, will be a great asset to Lift. We look forward to welcoming travellers from Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, and France to sunny South Africa, and we’re excited for them to experience the convenience and quality service offered by Lift”, said Cilliers Jordaan, Chief Commercial Officer at Lift.
Route Expansion
The airline launched service in December 2020, with aircraft leased from Global Airways. It began operations with year-round Johannesburg – Cape Town flights, and Johannesburg – George flights (operating as a seasonal service).
Since then, Lift has established itself as one of South Africa’s most customer-focused airlines, offering flexible and convenient travel options across key domestic routes.
With services connecting the major destinations of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, the airline provides travellers with access to some of South Africa’s most important business and leisure centres.
Lift also has regional expansion plans. It has applied for approvals to operate services to destinations outside of South Africa.
The airline was expected to begin charter flights between Durban and the island of Reunion in February this year.
Also Read: Lift Airline goes Dutch for a day – with partner KLM
