For the Comair Business Rescue Plan to be adopted, a suspensive condition in the plan requires that the banks grant approval for the proposed refinancing of the airline. While it was expected that this decision would be announced at the end of September, to give the airline some time to ramp up services ahead of its planned December 1 relaunch, the banks have now requested three extensions on their deadline.
A spokesperson from Comair advised that the airline was now expecting a response from the banks by close of business today, Monday, October 19.
Internally, the airline’s new investors seem to be moving forward with the implementation of the plan with an internal source, who did not wish to be named, confirming that many staff had been advised that they were expected back at work on November 1.
A recent travel update posted on the Discovery website also announced that the Vitality and kulula.com booking platform had reopened.
“Vitality members can once again book local hotel accommodation and car hire through the kulula.com booking platform. Where you travel locally you can save up to 35% at over 500 hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts with the Vitality Hotel Collection. In addition to your current Vitality saving of up to 35%, you can now get an extra 20% discount at Europcar and Tempest Car Hire. That’s a saving of up to 55% for Vitality members. This offer is valid from October 8 – 31. Your travel saving is based on your Vitality Health status at the time of booking. Terms and conditions apply. International and domestic flights will open soon,” stated Discovery.
The same notification also said: "Members who would like to make changes to their existing hotel bookings or use hotel vouchers issued during COVID-19 can contact vitalityhotel@comair.co.za. The contact centre for hotel booking queries is temporarily out of service."
The Comair spokesperson confirmed to Travel News that the booking platform had not opened for flight bookings but only for accommodation and car hire.