South African carrier and British Airways franchisee Comair has once again suspended all flights, as it seeks to secure fresh funding.
The airline filed for business rescue in May 2020 following the onset of Covid-19, and although it did succeed in restarting flights, the South African Civil Aviation Authority temporarily suspended all Comair services in March of this year as a result of safety concerns.
In a statement Comair said that it had su spended all British Airways and Kulula flights “pending successfully securing additional funding”.
“The company’s business rescue practitioners (BRPs) have advised that the process to raise the necessary capital is in progress and that there is reason to believe such funding may be secured,” the statement continued.
“Once received, the airline will be able to recommence operations, but regrettably under these circumstances, the practitioners have no choice but to voluntarily suspend all scheduled flights until the funding is confirmed.”
All sales of Comair and Kulula tickets have also been suspended, but the group’s CEO Glenn Orsmond stressed that “Comair is inherently a viable business”.
“We have the two of the best airline brands in the country,” said Orsmond. “We are on track to carry over four million passengers this year and generate R5.3 billion in revenue.”
“We have excellent staff, a modern fleet, good sales and distribution channels and low operating costs, which is why we believe the funding will be secured.”
British Airways has also provided Business Traveller with the following statement from a spokesperson:
“We’re saddened to hear that Comair Limited, British Airways’ franchise partner which operates flights within southern Africa, has suspended operations.
“We are working with Comair Limited to contact affected British Airways customers due to fly with British Airways (operated by Comair), to offer rebook and refund options, including travel on another carrier where possible.
“British Airways remains committed to South Africa and continues to operate its schedule to and from London.”
