October 27th, 2011

Comair Limited is celebrating its 15th successful year operating British Airways in South Africa this month.

The JSE listed aviation company Comair Limited, has an exclusive relationship in sub-Saharan Africa with British Airways, and has managed it under a franchise agreement since the airline entered the local market, proudly flying under the colours and livery of the British Airways brand.

"Comair's vision is to provide world-class air travel within Southern Africa and the British Airways business has all the ingredients to deliver just that. With the highest global standards in safety and quality, a network linking South Africa to the world, and a generous frequent-flyer programme, British Airways then and today offers more benefits to customers than any other domestic airline," says Gidon Novick, Joint CEO: Comair Ltd.

Since the deregulation of the South African domestic airline industry in 1991, British Airways (operated by Comair Limited) has remained one of only three private sector airlines to survive in a marketplace with a 73% failure rate. Despite the entry of two new airlines to the local industry in this year alone, British Airways (operated by Comair Limited) remains the only airline in the private sector which operates premium, full service flights to both local and regional destinations.

British Airways can trace its heritage back to 1919, making them pioneers of flight and experts in air travel. The recent British Airways global marketing campaign, "To Fly. To Serve", which launched just over a month ago, cements this heritage of flying know-how, thoughtful service and British style.

British Airways (operated by Comair Limited) has also garnered local accolades and for the third year in a row it has been awarded "Best Domestic Airline" in the Business to Business category and second place in the Business to Consumer categories at The Sunday Times Top Brand Awards 2011.

"Similarly, Comair can trace its roots back to 1943, making us the longest operating airline in South Africa after the national carrier. With 160 years collective experience in aviation, the British Airways and Comair partnership sets us apart from competitors and allows us to operate with confidence in the current challenging market," Novick concludes.

Milestones in the last 15 years

1996 - Comair celebrates its 50th anniversary and enters into a franchise agreement with British Airways on October 27.

1999 - British Airways is voted "Best Domestic Airline" by ASATA (Association of South African Travel agents).

1999 - British Airways opens the Executive Club departure lounge in the domestic departures terminal at JHB International Airport

2000 & 2001 - British Airways is voted "Best Domestic Airline" by ASATA.

2003 - For the first time in history, British Airways flies all female crew into Lusaka, Zambia.

2004 - British Airways is voted "Best Domestic Airline" by ASATA and it introduces e-ticketing through all travel agent bookings for domestic routes and "Payment Online" for South Africa. Passengers can now pay for tickets on ba.com.

2005 - British Airways is voted the "Best Domestic Airline" by ASATA for the fifth time in six years

2006 - British Airways and Cathay Pacific announces code share agreement.

2007 - British Airways sponsors the award-winning local production of the Broadway hit; The Lion King.

2008 - British Airways is awarded "Best Customer Service" in the local airline industry by Ask Afrika's annual Orange Index Survey.

2009 - British Airways launches the award-winning SLOW Lounges, which sets a new global standard for domestic departure lounges in South Africa. The airline is awarded "Best Regional Carrier" Award by the Association of Zimbabwean Travel Agents at its annual AZTA Awards.

2010 - British Airways starts flight operations to Nelspruit .

2011 - British Airways is awarded "Best Domestic Airline" in the Business to Business category and second in the Business to Consumer categories at The Sunday Times Top Brand Awards. The airline also starts flight operations from Lanseria to Maputo, Mozambique.


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