How you can leave your mark on one of South Africa’s biggest airlines – and win free flights for a year
Lift has launched a new competition in South Africa, giving travelers the chance to design a new tail for its aircraft.
The local air carrier is celebrating its fifth birthday, and has opted to celebrate the occasion with a competition that will allow individuals to submit their own ideas for a limited-edition tail visible to any and all airport visitors.
“As one of the country’s most beloved and proudly homegrown airlines, LIFT has always invited its travellers to be part of its journey, from naming the airline back in 2020, to now shaping the design that will fly across South Africa’s skies when the airline turns five,” it said.
Submissions are open until 31 October 2025, and the competition is open to all South Africans – no design experience necessary.
The winner will not only have their design reflected on Lift’s aircraft, but they will also win free flights for a year.
A short history of Lift
Lift is a relatively new air carrier that started operations in late 2020, a time when the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns were still limiting local and international travel.
From this difficult start, Lift has managed to grow into one of a handful of local airlines keeping the airways busy in South Africa alongside rivals like Airlink and FlySafair.
Since operations began, the air service has seen multiple advertising partners that have decorated its planes, including Checkers Sixty60 and Disney.
For this reason, Lift elected to give South Africans the chance to apply their own touch to its aircraft in honour of its fifth birthday.
“In honour of our 5th birthday celebration coming up on 10 December 2025, we’re calling on all South Africans to join in the celebration and submit designs for our celebratory tail design,” said Haydn Henning, Lift Brand Manager.
“This is especially meaningful to us, because in early 2020, when Lift was starting up, we’d asked the country to submit their suggestions for our new airline’s name.”
“The name Lift was put forward by eight South Africans, who saw their names being marked externally on the aircraft, beside the entrance.”
Anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to follow these steps:
- Download the template on Lift’s landing page
- Create a design and add a short bio/rationale explaining your inspiration (max 100 words)
- Submit your entry via the website portal by 31 October 2025
“We’re eager to see South Africa’s designs, creativity and learn what inspires them!” said Henning.
“Following the submission period, finalists will be shortlisted by our internal panel, and the contenders will go out to a voting process, where South Africa will vote for their favourite design.”
Voters who participate stand a chance to win a R5,000 Lift Wallet prize, while the competition winner will receive free flights for a year.
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