Comair to launch direct Durban/Gatwick flights
 

This is going to be an interesting one to follow - more on Online Travel

...but I wouldn't hold my breath.

New flights from Durban to London with Comair? (thanks for the link)

Some quotes:

While Comair has held the second traffic right from SA to the UK for a while now, they have not moved on exercising the option which they took over when Nationwide Airlines closed. (my emphasis)...

...Comair CEO Gidon Novick said it had not been decided which of the group’s two airline brands would be used for the London route. There was "still a huge amount of work we need to do", he said." (Massive understatement)

Coupled with Comairs incredibly cautious nature (What? Base crew in outstations?!? Never!..wait...maybe) I just can't see this happening anywhere in the near future. Maybe one of these decades....

It would not be a good route on which to experiment with their first longhaul service. Even SAA could not make this pay when they attempted it about 20 years ago with DUR as an extension on a LON-JNB.

LGW DUR will mainly attract low revenue traffic, particularly as it's likely to be a once or twice weekly operation.

Non-starter, or money loser, as far as I can see.

and with what equipment? A tired old 76?

They could use that nice 747-400 owned by SAA , the one parked at the tech section. SAA seem to prefer chasing pax away with old clapped A340-200's on some of the lhr flights. SAA will probably give it for gas only , they seem to be on a roll with giving things away ( routes , aircraft , slots , decent managers );)

I know what they up to and believe me I have inside gen. Special permission from CAA to do a there and back with a 40 minute turn-around. That wil be on a B737 with home made drop tanks and single pilot operation to keep the cost down and not pay S&T in pounds. Take that sports lovers !!!! (o yes and passengers to bring own food and blankets):ugh:

SAA JNB-LHR is now with A343/A346/A332 the A342's are gone.........
Only CPT-LHR remains with A342's but soon with A343 then A332......

... and don't forget the chairs... ;-D

And those damn A340-300 with the white tail. I had the misfortune to fly Per-Jnb and return on it. Really really dreadful.

And when we have all finished having a nice old whinge about SAA, lets get back on topic and discuss the likelihood of GN getting it right this time!!!!!!!