A new low-cost local airline known as 1time was launched on Wednesday, with an inaugural flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Aimed at the low-income market, the airline is to have three flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town daily, one each in the morning, afternoon and evening.
The airline will operate a fleet of two 110-seater DC9 aircraft.
Acting Transport Minister Jeff Radebe hailed the project as a pioneer of the Aviation Transport Charter, which is yet to be adopted.
”We are very excited with the new airline targeting [the] low-income market,” Radebe said.
1time chief executive Glenn Orsmond said: ”We are extremely proud to launch South Africa’s first genuine low-fare airline into the market.”
He said passengers would pay R581 or less for a seat on the Cape Town to Johannesburg route.
”1time offers consumers a guarantee that advertised air fares would be offered on every seat, every flight, everyday irrespective of when the reservation is made.
”As we say in no uncertain terms — azikho lo nonsense, no bull, geen twak — we stand by our promises,” he said.
1time is 20% owned by Mogwele Investment, a black empowerment company represented by Zukile Nomvete as chairperson.
Sipho Twala of Magwele Investment said: ”This is breaking new ground in the aviation sector. A lot of investors have stayed away from this sector because it is perceived as risky.
”All businesses are risky but if you manage and address the problems it can be run successfully.” — Sapa