Monthly Archives: October 2023
May Your Wishes Come True
The Walt Disney Company Africa and LIFT unveiled a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery to kick-off Disney’s biggest festive campaign to date in South Africa, “May Your Wishes Come True”.
The livery features some of the most iconic and memorable characters from Disney, MARVEL and Star WarsTM, including: Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, Black Panther, GroguTM, Elsa, Spidey. A brand new character also makes an appearance, Asha, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming “Wish”, which releases in cinemas nationwide from 22 November. The Disney inspired plane (tail number ZS-GAS) will appear in South African skies and at airports from 20 October and service routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
On board, customers can expect special Disney and LIFT surprises, as well as kiddies activity packs to make flying with little ones a breeze during the busy holiday season, with giveaways and more treats. The excitement won’t stop there, because LIFT has additional surprises between 1 and 12 December for lucky travelers on select flights, as South Africans get ready for the festive season.
Fans and travellers who spot or travel on the Disney-inspired Plane can share their pics on social media, using the hashtag #DisneyandLIFT and tagging @DisneyAfrica and @LIFT__SA.
Says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “To mark our 100th year anniversary (16 October 2023), The Walt Disney Company is celebrating the fans and storytellers who have sparked the joy and magic that embodies Disney over the last century. We hope that this exciting and unique collaboration with LIFT will bring delight to travellers of all ages this holiday season as we mark this milestone anniversary.”
Says Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, The Walt Disney Company Africa; “Rolling out in stores nationwide from November, “May Your Wishes Come True” is Disney’s biggest retail campaign to date. With the holiday season approaching and “Wish” releasing in cinemas nationwide from 24 November, we are inspired by the universal truth of wishing to be together at this special time. This collaboration with LIFT truly celebrates this togetherness with families and fans.”
Says Jonathan Ayache, CEO of LIFT.: “As a beloved family brand, Disney is a perfect fit for LIFT. With our new livery, together we celebrate the love, magic and family togetherness that signals the festive season. We’re proud to link arms with Disney, through this collaboration, our hope is to ignite a sense of fun, wonder and excitement for the whole family during the upcoming season of school holidays and family celebrations.”
Customers can visit www.lift.co.za to book flights and stand a chance of flying on the #DisneyandLIFT aircraft. Travellers aboard the airline will continue to enjoy all the perks LIFT has to offer including complimentary snacks, coffee from vida e caffè and extra-friendly service from the stylish cabin crew. LIFT has flexible flight changes with unlimited penalty-free changes and no cancellation fees up to 24 hours before departure.
From November, Disney’s “May Your Wishes Come True” will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family – from stocking fillers, toys, apparel, books and so much more – featuring the very latest and greatest from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. With much more to share, this festive season is set to be an unforgettable one as we wish together for the holidays.
About LIFT:
LIFT is operated by Global Aviation Operations (Pty) LTD trading as LIFT. LIFT flights currently operate between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Global Aviation Operations has been a provider of ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) services to airlines, locally and internationally since 2001 and is the largest dedicated ACMI specialist in South and Sub-Saharan Africa.
LIFT operates a fleet of Airbus A320 Aircraft, state-of-the-art 4th generation with fly-by-wire control systems, Flight Envelope safety protection and 3B Auto-land certification that allows for safe landings in poor visibility conditions.
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA:
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 80 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 60 markets across EMEA.
About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products:
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Fox and National Geographic—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime. When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai‘i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
About the Aircraft used – AIRBUS A320 – MSN 76 – ZS-GAS
| Serial number | 76 |
| Type | 320-231 |
| First flight date | 25/09/1989 |
| Test registration | F-WWIS |
| Plane age | 34.1 years |
| Seat configuration | Unknown |
| Hex code | 008FFB |
| Engines | 2 x IAE V2500-A1 |
| Status | Active |
Click on a photo below to enlarge
Photos by Aviation Central and ZCMC Media
TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES TO RENEW FLEET WITH BOEING 787 DREAMLINERS
PRESS RELEASE
TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES TO RENEW FLEET WITH BOEING 787 DREAMLINERS
– Angola’s national airline adds four 787 Dreamliners to fleet
– Airline modernises its fleet with first order of the popular 787
Luanda, October 10, 2023: TAAG Angola Airlines and Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that TAAG is adding the highly fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner to its fleet with an order for four of the wide-body jets.
“Our goal is to work with the best manufacturers in the world towards a multi-type fleet, in order to ensure we have the appropriate aeroplanes for each flight typology, namely our intercontinental connections,” said Eduardo Fairen, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. “The 787 option suits our intent for modern, size-wise and efficient equipment able to progressively replace our current wide-body fleet and provide our customers with an improved flight experience.”
“The 787 Dreamliner will enable TAAG Angola Airlines to open new routes and expand their international network,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. “The Dreamliner’s market-leading efficiency and passenger comfort will advance the carrier’s fleet modernisation plans.”
TAAG Angola Airlines currently flies five 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets, three 777-200ERs and seven 737-700s to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China.
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook for Africa projects that the continent will need 1,025 aeroplanes over the next two decades. Overall African air traffic growth is forecast at 7.4%, the third highest among global regions and above the global average growth of 6.1%.
Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 370 new nonstop routes around the world. The 787 Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the aeroplanes it replaces. Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurised at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins, soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.
TAAG Angola Arlines, Luanda, October 10, 2023.
Communication and Press Department
+244 921 320 223
About TAAG
TAAG Angola Airlines was founded in 1938 and is based in Luanda, Angola´s capital city. For more than 80 years, TAAG has connected Angolans with its key domestic and international markets. TAAG is the leading airline in the country and is recognised worldwide for its strong high-yield market, having grown its current network to 12 domestic and 13 international destinations. In addition to passenger transport, its fleet allows for air cargo services, which have become essential for Angola´s growth and development. TAAG is a company that prides itself on a strong track record of service and performance excellence.
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial aeroplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.
The Heidelberg Great Train Race 2023
By Jessica Bezuidenhout
This year’s Train Race was held on Saturday the 30th of September. The weather started off being cool and breezy. Arriving at dawn we were treated to a group of paragliding flyers who took advantage of the open airspace to enjoy an early dawn flight over the train waiting to enter the station. Rovos Rail had a doubleheader for the first time this year. Leading was the locomotive “Tiffany”. A 130-year-old Grand Dame is still doing her stuff. Behind her was “Shaun”. The train was welcomed into the station with numerous vintage vehicles led by a Bentley. After an opportunity for photos, they went on a heritage tour through the town and returned to the airfield where the day’s activities continued. For the hungry and thirsty there were food and drink stalls, live entertainment with a band, a miniature running steam train for the kids (big and small), and the Rolls Royce griffon showcased its awesome power. A race track provided endless entertainment with vintage motorcycles doing rounds with each other. Numerous small aircraft arrived during the morning. A few regulars at aviation events were seen as well such as the Classic Flying Collection (static display), the Flying Lions, and The Goodyear Eagles who as usual put on stunning displays wowing a full crowd.
Giving “flips” were Henley Air in their Bell 407 and much beloved Flippie Vermeulen in his Beech 18. A unique experience to be sure.
A pleasant day was had by all with a few firsts that created a day filled with good things by those who have a love and passion for all things old – albeit trains, planes, and cars.
Click in the photos below to view large-size
