Comair, the British Airways franchise in South Africa, has formally confirmed plans to fly between Gatwick and Durban.
Comair plans to fly three times a week to Durban, which is South Africa’s busiest port and its third-largest city, but has still to reveal a start date. The airline, which operates in BA colours in South Africa, has also to secure an aircraft as it currently has only a short-haul fleet.
However, probably the biggest concern at Comair will be whether it can brand the flights under the BA banner or whether it will have to operate them under its second business model, the budget brand Kulula.
A Comair spokesman said decision had yet to be made on this point. BA would only add that it had “a long and successful relationship with Comair in South Africa”.
However, observers believe it is unlikely BA will enter into any formal arrangement with Comair on an international route and that the Kulula branding may have to be adopted.
Travellers to Durban from the UK currently have to fly via Johannesburg or go via a second country. Comair estimates that a direct route will shave three and a half hours off the journey time from the UK.
Durban has enjoyed a renaissance since the World Cup last year, in which it was one of the key venues. The King Shaka International Airport opened a year ago and is keen to attract more international routes. Comair already operates from there to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.