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By Travel Reporter 
12h ago
For the first time in more than eight months, customers boarded kulula flight MN101, Comair’s first flight to take off when the company resumes service.
The flight followed the vast majority of shareholders who voted late last week in favor of the share restructuring proposed in the corporate rescue plan.
This resulted in the Comair Rescue Consortium injecting new capital of R500 million into the airline in exchange for a 99% stake. Up to 15% of this equity interest will be assigned to a suitable BBBEE partner within 12 months.
Richard Ferguson, one of the business rescue professionals, said the flight is a big step towards making Comair a sustainable business again.
We have missed the buzz and excitement! Happy to return. # easy #FlyGreen #OldFavs #We are back ✈️😎. pic.twitter.com/4E1Ywsa0cA
– easy easy) December 1, 2020
“While the formal corporate rescue process is not completely over, seeing Comair jets back in the skies signals the beginning of the end for one of the most complex and high-profile corporate restructurings in South Africa.
“It is important to understand that what happened to Comair was the result of an ecosystem problem that caused some 600 airlines around the world to stop operating. Getting back on the air will save jobs, provide the flying public with more options and competitive fares, strengthen the aviation sector and contribute to the overall South African economy, “he said.
Our airport teams are ready to welcome you! All Covid-19 protocols are in place. # easy #FlyGreen #OldFavs #We are back pic.twitter.com/YTdGwTuG8y
– easy easy) December 1, 2020
Newly appointed Comair CEO Glenn Orsmond, who was aboard the first flight, said it was such a special moment and it felt just like when the kulula brand was launched 20 years ago.
“Then we introduced low-cost flights to South Africa. Now we are back and continuing that proud Kulula heritage of making flying affordable by offering exceptional fares. We are very grateful to our employees, who have given us so much support and patience throughout the process and are now eager to get back to work, and to our loyal customers, who we are delighted to welcome back on board, “said Orsmond.
Thanks for the water greeting @Aerport_ZA. Moments to cherish! 🥳💚✈️ pic.twitter.com/dCKJ0N0BYz
– easy easy) December 1, 2020
Comair will operate kulula in all major domestic destinations and will add Durban / Cape Town and its Lanseria routes in February.
Briefings for the crew early in the morning to see our happy kulula passengers on board. # easy #FlyGreen #OldFavs #We are back pic.twitter.com/dn7V1TS6Tn
– easy easy) December 1, 2020
British Airways flights (operated by Comair) will resume again on December 9. These will operate on all its national routes. Regional routes and the Port Elizabeth-Durban route will be added early next year.
Comair will initially operate a fleet of 15 aircraft from both airline brands, gradually bringing a further 10 aircraft back into service over the next seven months.
The restart of services will also see the award-winning SLOW salons reopening. Domestic salons will open at King Shaka International, Cape Town International and OR Tambo International. Other lounges will follow as flight hours expand.
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