Set to fly in December, South Africa’s brand-new airline is set to launch before the end of 2020.
In an overwhelming public naming competition, the airline selected its name from over 25 000 creative, inspiring and sometimes weird suggestions.
Participants hoped to win a chance to win a year’s worth of travel on the airline.
The airline is a partnership between established operator Global Aviation, Kulula founder Gidon Novick and former Uber executive Jonathan Ayache.
It has been a tough year for so many, and the airline industry is in a mess. The new airline is to be a collaboration with all South Africans and a statement of optimism.
“We had so much fun going through the entries. Some were so thoughtful and inspiring like ‘Ubuntu Air’ and ‘FlyMzansi’. ’Djyrynie’ and ‘Planey McPlaneface’ were never going to fly while ‘Gravy Plane’ must have confused us with another airline!” Novick said.
He said the decision was made to choose a name that was relevant to the category, something that was unique, optimistic and of course easy to pronounce and remember.
He said eight South African submitted the same name suggestion – Lift. The Lift team had open conversations with all finalists, and everyone agreed to share the prize. Each will receive their portion of a year’s flights. Their names will also be inscribed on the body of the first plane that takes to the air.
South Africans who submitted the winning names are Reto Reolon, Marisa Melck, Arnoldus Greyling, Alaisha Maharaj, Dawn McCarthy, Ashley Ragunan, Hilary Atkinson and one anonymous South African.
Leading advertising agency, M&C Saatchi Abel, have come on board to assist with establishing and bringing the brand to life.
In the words of one winner, Reto Reolan,
“Lift, to me, is a statement of opportunity, optimism & freedom: to revisit places known, explore places new, find business & reconnect with family.”
We wish the latest airline the greatest of success in these tough times.
