Kulula Airline – A South African Airline With a Sense of Humor

Learn to be an informed flyer with Kulula Airlines. I would fly this airline just to keep ’em in business.

This is pretty neat, I won’t lie. I love when companies don’t take themselves too seriously.

Kulula was a prominent South African low-cost airline that made its mark on the aviation scene. Founded on July 6, 2001, the Kulula airline aimed to provide travelers with an easy and affordable flying experience. Its name, derived from the Nguni languages of Zulu and Xhosa, meant “It’s easy.” Kulula.com commenced operations in August of the same year, becoming South Africa’s first ‘no-frills’ carrier.

A Quirky Approach to Marketing

Kulula was known not only for its budget-friendly fares but also for its distinctive and often comedic marketing campaigns. In 2010, during the FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa, the airline’s advertisements gained attention. They humorously referred to themselves as the “Unofficial National Carrier of the You-Know-What,” alluding to the prestigious event. Another advert humorously announced “affordable flights to everybody except Sepp Blatter,” offering the FIFA president a free seat “for the duration of that thing that is happening right now.”

A Colorful Legacy

Kulula was renowned for its distinctive aircraft liveries. Its planes were adorned with bright and colorful designs, often accompanied by humorous messages. One of its aircraft, known as “Flying 101,” even featured a legend describing the different parts of the aircraft.

Fleet Expansion and Growth

Over the years, Kulula expanded its fleet and operations. In July 2012, the airline announced the addition of seven brand-new Boeing 737-800s, signifying its commitment to growth and modernization. These additions aimed to enhance its domestic and regional connectivity.

Challenges and the Impact of COVID-19

Kulula faced its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the aviation industry hard, leading to financial constraints. In response, Kulula and its parent company, Comair Ltd, suspended operations in July 2020. However, the airline made a comeback, resuming operations in September 2021.

Suspension and Liquidation

Sadly, on June 1, 2022, Kulula.com suspended all flights and entered business rescue. This move was met with controversy, as there were allegations of a sale conducted just before the suspension to raise cash. Initially, only passengers who booked through Discovery Vitality were offered refunds. Eventually, on June 9, 2022, business rescue practitioners declared that there was no reasonable prospect of rescuing either Kulula or Comair, and both companies were placed into liquidation.

Ownership and Corporate Affiliation

Kulula was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comair Ltd. Besides operating as Kulula.com, Comair also operated flights as a franchisee of British Airways, further strengthening its presence in the South African aviation market.

Destinations and Codeshare Agreements

Kulula served several domestic destinations, including Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport, as well as key cities in South Africa such as Durban and Cape Town. The airline also held codeshare agreements with airlines like Comair, Kenya Airways, and KLM, enhancing its network reach.

Loyalty Programme

The airline operated the Avios frequent-flyer program, offering travelers opportunities to earn and redeem rewards. Avios was created from the merger of several loyalty schemes, including Air Miles, BA Miles, and Iberia Plus Points.

Kulula may have ceased operations, but it left a lasting legacy in South Africa’s aviation history, known for its affordability, humor, and colorful presence in the skies.