press room

kulula reveals new livery on fleet of Boeings

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Johannesburg, 1 March 2013: Today, kulula.com, revealed its proposed new livery for its fleet of Boeing 737-800s, which are part of the new fleet replacement program that is currently underway. South Africa’s most-loved airline, kulula.com, prides itself on flying interesting locals from all walks of life all over South African skies, and so has confidently branded its new fleet with the slogan ‘The Most South African Airways’.

“We thought long and hard about a slogan that truly represents who we are as an airline and communicates our passion for South African travel, and this was the most fitting. We are proud of it and are sure it will be well received by our fans,” says Nadine Damen, Marketing Manager of kulula.com.

kulula (from the Zulu word meaning ‘easily’) is proud to be SA’s only privately-owned low-fare airline, and SA’s only low-fare airline that is accredited with IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit), the global safety benchmark that ensures that a high standard of safety is upheld. Since inception, kulula.com, has revolutionised air travel in South Africa by making flying much easier and more affordable to customers, and has since become the largest online retailer in the country. With all these South Africanisms stacked in its favour, it’s no wonder that kulula.com is ‘The Most South African Airways’.

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kulula and Europcar paint the skies green

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Johannesburg, 25 February 2013: Europcar has taken to the skies, as a brand new kulula Boeing 737-800 branded with Europcar, took its first flight last week. This is the first of two new kulula Boeing 737-800 planes that will be painted with Europcar branding and rolled out in February and March.

The branding celebrates the continued long-term commitment to the partnership that has existed between kulula and Europcar for the past eight years.

Nadine Damen, marketing manager of kulula.com says, “With a successful partnership and aligned synergies between the two companies, we are proud to display Europcar branding on our planes.”

kulula’s new fleet of Boeing 737-800’s, with increased carrying capacity and greater fuel efficiency, form part of kulula’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts are strongly aligned with Europcar’s greening drive, and hence provide an ideal high visibility platform for the two-like minded companies to demonstrate their aligned commitment to a cleaner, greener environment.

“With this high visibility platform we hope to further entrench our brand in the industry and in the hearts and minds of our customers,” says Dawn Nathan-Jones, chief executive of Europcar.

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kulula.com orchestrates ‘The Most South African Flight Ever’

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 10:05:00 GMT

Flying South Africa. whoever, wherever, whyever

Johannesburg, 26 January 2013: On Saturday, a wildly diverse mix of ordinary and extraordinary South Africans made history by jetting off on ‘The Most South African Flight Ever’, orchestrated by South Africa’s most-loved airline, kulula.

The unique 189 individuals chosen to represent their tribes on this momentous, never-been-done-before flight indulged in a morning of all things South African. In the departure hall they were entertained by an array of proudly South African acts, which included some power-dressing gumboot dancers, a contortionist, a magician, puppeteers and soccer ball tricksters. After entering the boarding gates, the entertainment continued as surprised passengers and airport staff were treated to a musical set by zef-rapper, Jack Parow.

On this flight from Lanseria to Lanseria, passengers enjoyed a scenic tour of the Jozi skies, while being entertained by MC and comedian, Kurt Schoonraad.

No South African flight would be complete without the National Anthem, so a pop-up choir scattered throughout the plane surprised passengers with their rendition.

“kulula, has grown from nothing to what it is today by flying South Africans from all walks of life, all around the country, day in, day out. So to celebrate this and kulula’s passion for travel, we orchestrated this fun momentous flight to celebrate with our fans,” says Nadine Damen, Marketing Manager for kulula.com.

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kulula now offers flights from O.R. Tambo to East London

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:07:20 GMT

Johannesburg, November 2012: kulula.com is pleased to announce that it will now offer flights between O.R. Tambo and East London. From 23 November 2012 customers can start booking seats on this route, with the first flight taking place on 1 March 2013.

It’s a quick one and a half hour trip from O.R. Tambo International Airport on kulula.com’s new 189-seater Boeing 737-800. There will be two flights daily flying in and out of East London, to and from O.R. Tambo International.

Nadine Damen, Marketing Manager: kulula.com says, “We have introduced this route to meet the demand for flights in and out of East London, and to support the economic growth of the Eastern Cape. We are thrilled to be able to address this need for our kulula fans, by making it easier and more affordable to fly to and from East London.”

kulula.com will also be increasing the frequency of flights between Johannesburg and George, and between Johannesburg and Durban to satisfy demand. For flight bookings, visit www.kulula.com or call the kulula contact centre on 0861 KULULA (585852), or contact your local travel agent.

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Combine and save when planning a trip

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:18:00 GMT

kulula introduces ‘combine & save’ travel packages

Johannesburg, October 2012: Today, in another first for airlines in South Africa, kulula has launched a ‘combine & save’ option on kulula.com, which allows customers to combine various travel elements, build their own tailored holiday packages and enjoy significant savings.

Via the ‘combo’ option on kulula.com, customers can now book any combination of ‘flight+car’; ‘flight+hotel’ or ‘flight+hotel+car’ at the lowest rates and instantly see how much they save.

Erik Venter, CEO of Comair says, “kulula.com is evolving to become more than just an airline, but a one-stop-online-shop for all travel requirements. With our ‘combo’ option we hope to make planning a tailored holiday as simple and affordable as possible.”

Based on the customer’s desired search, kulula.com will trawl through over 1 000 hotels across South Africa, 34 car rental branches and all available kulula flights to return instantly packaged results - which show how much is saved by comparing the costs of booking the products separately.

Once a package option is selected, these combos can be customised to suit specific holiday needs – whether it’s upgrading the car, selecting a deluxe suite at the hotel, or choosing flight departure times on all kulula flights.

All product availability is presented in real-time – so there’s no waiting to find out if the desired products are available. Tailor-made holidays can be booked, secured and paid for immediately online with a credit card.

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kulula creates more smiles for South African children

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Four children to receive facial reanimation during ‘Smile Surgeries’ sponsored by kulula

Johannesburg, 15 October 2012: One in one-million people are unable to express happiness in the form of a smile, due to facial paralysis (Moebius Syndrome). With the help of kulula fans, the airline, in partnership with The Smile Foundation, will grant four children life-changing facial reanimation surgery, also known as ‘Smile Surgery’, to correct facial paralysis, enabling them to smile.

‘Smile Surgery’ is an intensive surgery that takes between 8 to 15 hours to perform. It requires two surgical teams, one to harvest part of the gracilis muscle from the inner leg, and another to then transplant the muscle into the face and perform microsurgery.

The surgeries will take place from 15 – 17 October at The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, and from 23 – 24 October at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. A team of top South African medical practitioners, including Professor George Psaras, Medical Director and Co-founder of The Smile Foundation, will perform these surgeries. Professor Psaras, who will be flying to SA from Cyprus, is one of a select number of surgeons in the world who has had extensive experience and success with this type of complex surgery. He has performed more than 23 of these surgeries since 2000.

“We are delighted to be part of such a worthy initiative with The Smile Foundation for the second year running. These surgeries will literally give these children the chance to smile – a natural ability that most of us take for granted,” says Nadine Damen, Marketing Manager of kulula.com.

The Smile Foundation has been partnering with academic hospitals in South Africa for 12 years to help underprivileged children with facial conditions receive corrective surgery. To date, almost 1 000 children have benefited from surgeries around the country through the Smile Week initiative in state academic hospitals.

“To be able to give a smile to these children is exceptionally gratifying for our organisation. Together with our partner kulula, we are making it possible for these children to express joy, happiness and excitement, something they have never been able to do,” says Moira Gerszt, Chief Operating Officer of The Smile Foundation.

For more information about The Smile Foundation visit www.smilefoundation.co.za or contact 0861ASMILE.

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About The Smile Foundation:

The Smile Foundation is a South African NGO that assists children with any type of facial conditions, to receive free corrective plastic and reconstructive surgery within South Africa. The NGO helps children who suffer from treatable facial abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate, burn victims, Moebius syndrome (facial paralysis) and other conditions. The Foundation is currently based in seven academic hospitals around South Africa. The Smile Foundation invests in medical teams they work with through a skills development programme, and assists the hospitals by purchasing equipment for use by the Department of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The Chief Patron, Nelson Mandela’s wish is for the NGO to assist as many children around South Africa as possible to alleviate the stigma attached to living with facial condition.

kulula scoops award at international SimpliFlying Awards for Excellence

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Second in the 'Best Use of Social Media to Drive Customer Service' category

Cape Town, 12 October 2012: kulula scooped second place at the third annual SimpliFlying Awards for Excellence in Social Media, held in Amsterdam, in early October 2012. kulula was the only South African airline invited to compete alongside some prestigious airlines such as Swiss International, American Airlines, TAP Portugal and Volaris.

The annual SimpliFlying Awards celebrates the best airlines, airports and travel solution providers in the important sphere of social media. kulula presented its case study on its new look and booking process with Sabre solutions, and how it used social media to manage its customers’ expectations.

kulula’s successful result, in the ‘Best Use of Social Media to Drive Customer Service’ category, is owing to its dedicated social media team who managed to answer every post, tweet and comment made about the new look. The overall winner in this category was American Airlines.

Nadine Damen, Marketing Manager of kulula.com says, “We are delighted with the result of 1st Runner Up in this global competition and so proud of our passionate team whose commitment to please clearly stood out.”

The SimpliFlying Awards for Social Media Excellence 2012 received 50 nominations, with 21 candidates going on to qualify as finalists to compete for the top three positions across five award categories. Finalists competed for public votes, which totalled over 25 000 in just two weeks; and had to submit presentations to the judges. The winners were chosen based on votes and judges’ scores.

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kulula signs interline agreement with British Airways

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Johannesburg: kulula.com and British Airways, both operated by Comair Limited, today announced an interline agreement that will provide greater convenience to customers.

kulula customers will now enjoy the ‘best of both worlds’ by having the option of booking their journey with a combination of kulula and British Airways domestic flights, or connecting from a kulula flight onto the British Airways Southern African regional network which includes Harare, Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Windhoek and Mauritius. The new agreement will also see British Airways flights between Jo’burg and PE return to the kulula website.

kulula and British Airways domestic and regional flights can now be combined on a single ticket and will be available through multiple distribution channels including kulula.com and local travel agents.

Customers who are members of the British Airways Executive Club or any oneworld® participating carriers’ frequent flyer programme will continue to earn loyalty points when booking through kulula.com and flying with British Airways.

All servicing of British Airways flights, such as purchasing extra bags, booking dietary requirements and online check-in can be done on ba.com by using the Manage My Booking function. Customers can manage flight changes through ba.com or the kulula website and Contact Centre.

“kulula is dedicated to continuously improving its product offering and customer experience. This agreement will provide our growing customer base with additional choice, a streamlined booking process and greater convenience,” said Erik Venter, CEO Comair Limited.

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kulula celebrates first of its brand new fleet

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Johannesburg: This week South Africa's no frills airline, kulula.com, operated by Comair Limited, celebrates the arrival of the first of seven spanking new Boeing Next-Generation 737-800's. This aircraft heralds a new phase for the flight operator and by end of the year it will have three new 737-800's in operation throughout the country to add to its five leased 737-800’s. This will give kulula the youngest fleet in Southern Africa, with an average age of about five years.

The operator has come a long way since its launch in 2001 with one leased aircraft, one route and a handful of passengers. By end 2012 it will operate eight aircraft in total, carrying 2.8 million passengers over 12 routes across the region. The R2,5-billion investment in its fleet upgrade is fundamental to Comair's business strategy of consistently improving customer service and value, while ensuring a sustainable airline.

Commenting on its substantial investment, CEO of Comair Limited, Erik Venter says, "The new 737-800's utilise 18 percent less fuel per seat than the aircraft we are replacing, thereby saving two million-litres of fuel per aircraft per year for the equivalent total seats. Our decision to purchase these highly fuel efficient aircraft was not taken lightly and is a critical component in managing our exposure to the volatile fuel price."

Venter added that the new Boeing 737-800 aircraft will also require significantly less maintenance than the existing fleet, allowing for higher utilisation and lower operating costs.

"The sustainability of an airline is driven by its ability to generate sufficient profits to allow for reinvestment in its infrastructure and assets. The ownership of aircraft as opposed to leasing thereof will significantly contribute to our profit/reinvestment cycle, and Comair’s history of more than 60 years of operating profitably can largely be ascribed to us owning at least 50% of our fleet. While this does add to the long term debt on Comair's balance sheet, it is not onerous when compared to the comparative lease obligations on the aircraft that are being replaced."

"We are managing our assets very actively and will continue to do so - an example of this is that we decided to pre-sell the fourth aircraft, due for delivery in December, to an aircraft lease company due to pressure brought on by the poor trading conditions in the first half of the 2012 financial year."

Congratulating Comair on its latest acquisition, Robert Faye, director of Sales for Africa at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, says that the Boeing 737-800 Next Generation is a perfect fit for kulula’s business model. "High fuel prices and maintenance costs are putting severe pressure on the total operating costs of airlines across the world and the new aircraft is designed to meet the needs of carriers like kulula."

The three new Seattle-built aircraft, which will be in operation before the end of the year, have been financed partly through equity (15%) as well as an 85% loan backed by USA-based Export-Import Bank, arranged through Investec Bank. The next four Boeings ordered by Comair will be delivered in 2015 and 2016.

All of Comair's pilots have been trained extensively on the new aircraft as the operator invested in a new Boeing 737-800 flight training simulator in 2011 at a cost of R80 million.

"We are excited about our new aircraft and we are confident that this investment strategy will support kulula in delivering the great value that its customers have been familiar with since its launch 11 years ago," Venter concluded.

view our fleet gallery

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Larger families to get helping hand into the skies with a uniquely South African offer

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jo'burg: South Africa's favourite low-fare airline kulula.com has achieved yet another world first with the launch of a discount for families with multiple wives. The offer is a uniquely South African response to pressures faced by larger families during these turbulent financial times. Inspired by regular VIP travellers with sizeable spousal entourages, the offer is open to all fourth wives when the family travels together on the Jo'burg to Cape Town route.

The offer was launched today with a nationwide campaign in newspapers and online. Whether it's for the honeymoon or not, the happy quintet can fly three and get one for free until the end of April 2012.

"kulula.com is constantly seeking to innovate and find ways to help South Africans zip around the South African skies for less. We believe that a family that flies together, stays together, so lending a helping hand with a free flight for fourth wives is a great way to bring (often needed) harmony to bigger households" says Heidi Brauer, Executive Manager: Group marketing kulula.com.

The husband and wives will qualify for a refund on the fourth wife's ticket upon the presentation of a sworn affidavit and ID documents at a kulula.com customer service desk before departure.

Full details and terms and conditions are available from www.facebook.com/iflykulula.

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kulula announcement causes a splash - New floating fleet to keep airline buoyant

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jo'burg: April signifies a new era for South Africa’s favourite no-frills airline, kulula.com. Earlier today, the airline announced a first-of-its-kind solution to deliver improved revenue streams at an increasingly turbulent time for the aviation industry.

kulula has already taken steps to curb rising airport traffic congestion and high airport taxes by pioneering flights to secondary airports like Lanseria and even proposing to purchase the mothballed Durban airport from government, which was regrettably rejected. Their latest innovation will see selected flights landing on state-of-the-art water runways near Cape Town and Durban harbours and Hartebeespoort Dam in Gauteng.

“Globally, all airlines are feeling the pinch and 2012 will be a watershed year where only the most agile will keep their heads above water. kulula has always prided itself on successfully maintaining a low fare business model which motivated us to find new ways to ensure ticket prices remain affordable” says kulula group spokesperson, Heidi Brauer.

In July this year kulula will take delivery of eight new next-generation Boeing 737-800’s. Two of these aircraft are specifically designed for water landings.

The 737-Seaplane, in aviation terms is classified as a flying boat due to its modified fuselage which is the main source of buoyancy and which acts like a ship's hull in the water. All these vessels have been designed to ensure smooth landings and are equipped with the latest technology to ensure passenger comfort and safety, says Brauer.

Before coming aboard, kulula captains and flight crew will undergo rigorous training on sea and water landings, judging drift from sea current, swell size and nautical navigation.

Passengers will embark and disembark from exclusive kulula piers and be ferried to the planes by designated water shuttles.

“Airlines that do not significantly reinvent themselves are unlikely to stay afloat in these troubled economic times. kulula has never been scared of navigating unchartered waters and once launched we’re sure it will go swimmingly.” says Brauer.

The first landing is scheduled for the 4th of July.

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The Boeing 737-Seaplane, with a modified fuselage

The proposed new water runways in Cape Town. (Photo by Bruce Sutherland)

The proposed new water runway at Hartebeespoort Dam in Gauteng.

Craig Port takes prêt-a-porter to the skies with kulula.com

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jo'burg: The runway will never be the same again. So says Craig Port, one of South Africa’s most popular designers who recently launched his new line of prêt-a-porter cabin crew uniforms for the ever-so-stylish kulula.com. The new look took to the skies in early February and the transition to the trendier uniform will be completed by the end of the month.

Nadine Damen, kulula’s Marketing Manager says, "kulula turned 10 last year and with this comes a wiser, wittier and smarter approach to flying the high skies. So, like any stylish fashionista worth her stilettos, we gave our much-loved crew a designer makeover that enhances our best assets beautifully."

Customised to fit each of the 200 crew members, the uniforms presented an exciting design challenge for Port. "Creating fashion for everyday wear is more frivolous and fun. kulula’s new uniform on the other hand had to look great while being functional and comfortable to work in."

He goes on to say that the design also needed to command respect, pride and trust for the kulula staff so that fans treat them as the safety officers that they are. "In the past the uniforms were quite informal – jeans and sneakers. While that was a great fit for kulula’s fun and casual brand image, it was important that the new uniform reflect the serious job done by cabin crew."

The result is a chic new uniform that is smart and will hold its own against international designs.

Its launch is cleverly timed to coincide with the airline’s refreshed business approach. "When we launched in 2001, we revolutionised air travel. Since then we’ve come a long way and have evolved from the funny comedian to a more sophisticated, yet quirky brand" says Damen.

Besides a changing aviation industry that has seen more low-cost competitors enter the market and operational costs and taxes sore, a key influencer behind the brand’s more mature image is most notably its fans.

"Our fans have grown-up with us over the years and today they are unpretentious urbanites who are value seekers, looking for the best deal on airfares and service with a witty smile. Our cabin crew play a major role in providing this, so it goes without saying that they need to be dressed for high-flying success," concludes Damen.

The new look will also be worn by the Comair ground staff at all the airports that kulula and their sister company British Airways flies to.

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Comair announces chairman's retirement

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Wednesday: Comair Limited, South Africa's leading aviation company listed on the JSE and operator of kulula.com and British Airways in Southern Africa, announced the retirement of its Chairman and non-Executive Director, Dave Novick after 51 fruitful years in the business.

Novick's association with the airline spans half a century - in this time the company has grown from a small carrier serving low density routes to a major player operating to all of the higher density destinations in Southern Africa under two household brands.

When Novick joined Comair in 1961, the company had some 50 employees and operated two DC3 aircraft. Under his direction, the company expanded its fleet into jet aircraft after the de-regulation of South African airline routes in 1991, and today Comair operates 24 Boeing 737 aircraft with almost 2 000 staff.

During Novick's tenure, the company pioneered a strong relationship with British Airways plc and a partnership through a franchise arrangement, which is highly valued by both British Airways and by Comair, as demonstrated by British Airways subsequently taking a shareholding in Comair. kulula.com was established in 2001 as the first low-cost airline in South Africa and over a period of 10 years has maintained its lead in this segment of the market, serving both leisure customers as well as the country's business needs.

Comair's success during this period is particularly unique in that the airline has an unbroken 63 year profit history and an internationally recognised and enviable safety record.

Over the years Novick participated in a number of aviation related government boards and consultative forums and made a significant contribution in leading the overall development of the industry and its role players in a manner that helped establish South Africa as a leader in aviation matters on the African continent.

Novick has decided to retire as of 31 January, but has offered his expertise to the company on a consultative basis. Deputy chairman, Martin Moritz will fulfil the role of Chairman until the meeting of the board on 13 February.

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Comair Limited announces change in leadership

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Johannesburg: Comair Limited, South Africa's leading aviation company, today announced that Erik Venter will assume the role of CEO. For the past five and a half years, both Venter and Gidon Novick have served as Joint CEO's of the company, which operates kulula.com and British Airways in South Africa.

Novick has resigned from Comair to pursue other entrepreneurial business ventures but will remain available to the company in a consulting role for the foreseeable future. He has also resigned as a director of the Comair board.

The developments have arisen following a decision by the Board of Directors that the Comair team will be best served by single and focused leadership. "Comair has always fostered a culture in which change is normal. Agility is key to remaining competitive in an industry influenced by a weak economy and consumer spend, high oil prices, excessive airport charges and a weakening local currency," says Venter.

The board expressed its gratitude to Novick for his 15 years of service at Comair and for the impact he had on building the Comair team, developing the brands and starting new business units.

Venter has a long and successful career with the company and together with an excellent executive team, is looking forward to the challenges ahead. Venter joined Comair as a financial manager, in 1996, and has held various positions within the company, including commercial manager; commercial director; financial director and was appointed joint CEO on the 01 July 2006.

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Comair winning the war on baggage pilfering

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:49:00 GMT

Less than 0.02% of bags interfered with on Comair flights

Johannesburg: Comair Limited, operator of British Airways in Southern Africa and kulula.com, is tackling the scourge of baggage pilfering head-on. Improved results indicate less than one bag per 5 000 bags carried on Comair flights, is being pilfered.

Other domestic airlines within South Africa are reporting pilfering rates of 0.6 bags per 1 000, while international averages are around 0.3 bags per
1 000 at global airports. Working closely with partner Bidair Ramp Handling Services, Comair has attributed its success to a real time management process and a zero tolerance approach which has significantly reduced the occurrences.

Gidon Novick, Joint CEO of Comair said, "Comair, working closely with Bidair Ramp Handling Services Management have successfully implemented several joint initiatives to eliminate pilfering of the bags on our local and regional British Airways and kulula flights. It is important to know, we take full responsibility for our customers' bags and don't just blame the Airports Company."

Kobus van Niekerk, Managing Director of Bidair said that Bidair's general managers and operations director are all collectively and personally responsible for monitoring the departure and arrival of every flight in real time, done by live BlackBerry communication between themselves and
Comair, 24 hours a day.

Some of the steps that Comair and Bidair have taken to address baggage pilfering include:

G4S Contract Security, Bidair risk managers and Comair ramp controllers physically monitor the loading and offloading of baggage, as well as monitoring baggage in the basements after check-in and on arrival.
Irregularity forms are completed after every departure and arrival and immediately e-mailed to all senior staff. In the case of any open bag, unzipped bag, damaged bag, damaged cable ties or broken locks in the hold, or any sign of any irregularity, an immediate investigation takes place.
If an irregularity is found, baggage handlers, their restroom and lockers are searched both at the departure and arrival airports. Staff at the departure as well as the arrival airports, face disciplinary action and polygraph testing if warranted.
Baggage handlers are required to use thick gloves in the hold, so it is not easy to feel inside bags for small items. They face serious disciplinary action if found without them. Baggage handlers also have to exit the hold immediately after loading each trolley of baggage.
Airport staff, cable-tie any bags with main zips left open and close all other side zips if there is nothing contained in the side pockets. Any bag with a defective locking device or any observed damages will be labelled with a limited liability tag, signed by the customer at check-in, noting this fault.
Comair is also working with ACSA to ensure that measures are in place to ensure that no pilfering occurs during the bags' journey within the elaborate conveyor belt and sorting system, between the time of check in on the upper floors of the terminals and the time the bags reach the loading areas on the ground floor.

"We will continue to take this zero-tolerance approach, with all loopholes tightly closed, until pilfering is eradicated completely," said Novick.

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kulula joins Somalia aid effort

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Johannesburg: kulula.com, in partnership with Interactive Africa, will today fly 10,5 tons of aid to Somalia in a Boeing 737-200. The aid will be handed over to humanitarian organization 'Gift of the Givers' for distribution in the famine-ravaged area.

The 10,5 ton consignment will be flown by Imperial Air Cargo, kulula's air cargo partnership with the Imperial Group. The consignment includes food supplies, bottled water and other essentials. The flight is scheduled to leave from OR Tambo airport tonight at 9:30pm and arrive at the Somali capital Mogadishu at 07:00 local time where the supplies will be transported by road to the hardest hit parts of the country.

Managing Director of Interactive Africa, Ravi Naidoo, who has been spearheading calls to South African companies such as Tiger Brands, Foodcorp, Coca Cola, ABSA, eTV, Old Mutual Foundation and Sanlam Investments to join the efforts and make both monetary and food parcel contributions, says, "The acute malnutrition and death rates have surpassed famine thresholds, especially among young children. The current humanitarian response remains inadequate and reports suggest that the famine conditions are expected to persist until the end of the year. We want to bring about the slightest change and assist those in need, and we're calling on more South Africans to assist."

kulula.com joint CEO, Gidon Novick says, "We're very happy to be playing a small part in the relief effort. We're hoping this flight will be one of many more to be supported by caring South Africans. If a single life is saved it will have made this trip worthwhile."

To support further relief flights to Somalia please go to www.designindaba.com/relief-fund

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kulula.com celebrates 10th birthday with intergalactic expansion plans

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Johannesburg: kulula.com is celebrating its tenth birthday by looking to a potentially intergalactic future. To mark ten years in business and a staggering 55 million kilometres flown (the distance between Earth and Mars) the airline has claimed a ten acre spot on Mars for future expansion. Part of the land will be given to staff and business partners as part of the birthday celebrations.

Gidon Novick, joint CEO of kulula.com says, "Ten years ago flying was something only for the elite few who could afford it and not much fun. The launch of kulula.com literally changed the entire industry and we've come a seriously long way since our first flight. It's only right that as well as celebrating the past we look to the future and think on a grand and possibly even interplanetary scale."

To help visualise the future and what a kulula.com Mars base could look like, an artist's impression has been commissioned showing a self-sufficient living module, travel terminal and retail complex. A (non-space ready) prototype kulula space ship will also be unveiled at Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport during the birthday month.

It is anticipated that the plot of land, registered by kulula, could be in use as early as 2060. In the meantime, kulula.com has approached international space agencies including NASA, to alert them to the claim and invite them to visit (at some point).

kulula fans and customers can take part in a competition to win a plot within the kulula Mars base by suggesting a creative use for their plot. Visitwww.facebook.com/iflykulula for further details.

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kulula takes the fun of flying to the highways

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:51:00 GMT

Cape Town: To remind people about the delights of flying, kulula.com has added a new set of wheels to its fleet of 10 trusty planes. But unlike its airborne sisters, this one-of-a-kind ride enjoys cruising the highways instead of the high skies.

Nadine Damen, marketing manager at kulula.com says, "Flying is as commonplace these days as driving to and from work; it's just part of our regular commute. So, to put the fun back into flying, and make it seem less of a chore, we've revamped an old-school 1976 Chrysler Special Edition with our striking signature style and let it loose on the highways around Mzanzi to hopefully make a few fans smile."

The car has all the special features of a regular plane like drop-down oxygen masks and adjustable reading lights. It even lets passengers know where the ejector seat is. And, while the kulula car was spotted in Fish Hoek Main Road last weekend - inducing many curious stares from onlookers – "it isn't the first in a new fleet of kulula cars to take fans to and from the airport; it's just there to remind South Africans how fun flying with us can be," quips Nadine. To catch the kulula car on its ride around South Africa, visit kulula's Facebook page on: www.facebook.com/iflykulula.

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Daddy's Deals, with love from kulula.com, launches new business venture

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Cape Town, July 2011: kulula.com has teamed up with the innovative entrepreneurs who created Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel and Old Mac Daddy Trailer Park in Elgin, to launch Daddy's Deals. A fresh take on the deal buying model that has taken online shopping by storm, Daddy's Deals (with love from kulula.com) is a proudly South African initiative offering consumers exclusive deals and unique experiences at a fraction of the price.

Daring to be different, Daddy's Deals is determined to improve on the standard US-based group buying model that many local companies have emulated, to provide customers and merchants with a rewarding win-win experience.

"We have heard from many sceptical consumers who are tired of being bombarded by daily mails and SMS's with deals that only actually become available after exceeding a preset tipping point. We have also seen many of these deals being provided by merchants who are overwhelmed by the response and often struggle to service the large number of customers purchasing the deal," says Jody Aufrichtig, Daddy's Deals founder and CEO.

Daddy's Deals subscribers will receive twice-weekly newsletters with only the best deals from quality merchants that have been carefully researched and selected.

"If you choose to buy a deal on Daddy's Deals, it's yours. No strings attached, no getting all your friends to buy too - it's as simple as that." concludes Aufrichtig.

Once you've signed up, you'll be notified of up-to-the-minute deals in your city. Each email newsletter includes three handpicked deals, from holidays, meals at top-notch restaurants and pampering treatments, to something completely different. Daddy's Deals consumers can expect unusual, quality experiences.

And with the marketing visionaries of Daddy's World and kulula.com, one of South Africa's most trusted airlines behind the brand, consumers can rest assured that they'll be receiving nothing but the best there is to offer.

Gidon Novick, joint CEO of kulula.com, is excited about the value this new offering will add for loyal kulula.com fans. "We're always on the lookout for novel concepts and innovative new business ventures and so after researching the market and seeing what our customers really want in terms of leisure offers, kulula.com decided to team up with Daddy's World to launch Daddy's Deals. With both brands celebrating the humorous, unusual, inspiring and easy-going, we saw perfect synergy between our two companies," says Novick.

The first deals go live today and all transactions are processed through Nedbank's iVeri portal to ensure secure payments. You can also pay via EFT if you prefer not to use your credit card. Once a deal has been processed a voucher will be sent via email to be printed out and redeemed.

To take advantage of this new and exciting offering, all consumers need to do is sign-up at www.daddysdeals.co.za.

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kulula warns of skyrocketing airport charges

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

(Accumulative increase of 161 percent by ACSA in five years)

Johannesburg, 1 June 2011: kulula.com, operated by Comair Limited, has warned consumers of an impending increase in airport charges by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) that will ultimately see consumers having to pay more for airfares.

ACSA is set to raise passenger charges and landing fees by 35 percent as proposed by the airline industry regulator. This comes on the back of a 33 percent increase in 2010. This year's increase is expected to be followed by a further 31 percent raise in 2012, which will result in an accumulative increase of 161 percent by ACSA over five years.

Joint CEO at Comair, Erik Venter says, "The increase by ACSA comes at a time when average airfares have been declining while fuel prices have increased dramatically. The increase threatens the growth of air travel in South Africa and will have a negative knock on effect on the competitiveness of South Africa as a tourist destination and the broader economy. Budget sensitive travelers will be the hardest hit, as half of airfares will now go towards ACSA's airport charges."

"ACSA is now calling on users of its airports to fund its financial shortfall. "In this freely competitive environment it is unlikely that local airlines will be able to absorb the 161 percent proposed increase in an industry where margins are consistently under pressure," says Venter.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), South Africa has amongst the highest airport charges in the world in relation to local airfares. "The South African tourism industry depends heavily on affordable air travel into and around our country. The Airlines Association will have to continue to work very closely with the regulator to promote a healthy industry and protect the interests of air travellers in South Africa," concludes Venter.

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