South Africa’s Lift has obtained membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The airline announced on social media this week that it is now an IATA member. Lift’s official IATA code is GE.
IATA membership offers airlines global recognition, cost savings, and operational efficiencies. It also signifies participation in the global air transport sector, enabling carriers to effectively sell, transport, and settle transactions.
Membership in IATA is important for airlines that wish to expand as well as to grow their market share, and Lift has expansion plans on the horizon.
Last year, Global Airways, the company that operates Lift, applied to South Africa’s International Air Services Licensing Council for air service rights to operate flights to Mauritius and Reunion. These routes will become the airline’s first beyond South Africa’s borders.
Unique Airline Model
Launched in December 2020, Lift operates low-cost domestic service in South Africa.
Its business model has proven popular locally. The carrier offers complimentary coffee (or wine) and snacks on flights, and permits passengers to change or cancel their flights right up to the day of departure, with credits going into a wallet for future use.
Lift’s first scheduled service was between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Then, in October 2022, it started flying between Johannesburg and Durban. In November 2022, the airline connected the country’s three major cities when it launched service between Durban and Cape Town, effectively completing what is known locally as the golden triangle.
Lift operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.
