LIFT reveals South African’s Winning design for its birthday tail competition
We asked South Africa to help us celebrate 5 years of LIFT by designing a birthday tail for one of our Airbus A320s.
The competition produced a vibrant mix of South African creativity, with the five finalists hailing from across the country – Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Knysna – a true reflection of national talent and connection.
LIFT received just under 3000 submissions from creative South Africans across the country. From the very beginning, LIFT has been a brand shaped by South Africans, for South Africans. Back in 2020, the country came together to help choose the airline’s name – and now, five years later – LIFT is reconnecting with the nation to celebrate this milestone by inviting travellers to vote for the design that best captures what the airline means to them today.
Out of thousands of entries‚ Alyssa Reyersbach’s design was chosen by the public‚ and is now proudly flying on LIFT.
Alyssa Reyersbach‚ a 24-year-old Graphic Designer and Content Creator at Lemonade Design Co‚ living in sunny Durban. Design has always been a part of who I am — I’ve been sketching and creating for as long as I can remember‚ finding beauty in the small things and turning ideas into something magical. Nothing loud‚ just intentional‚ thoughtful‚ and a little bit lekker!
Entry rationale
This design celebrates the rich culture‚ heritage‚ and true South African spirit in the sky. Inspired by our nation’s collective unity and diversity‚ it tells a visual story of a country alive with creativity‚ culture‚ and lekker vibes — a proud reflection of who we are. A soaring symbol of connection‚ heritage‚ and heart.
Other finalists included:
Izabel Barkhuizen (29) – Cape Town
An illustrator and storyteller at heart, Izabel reimagines the LIFT “L” as a trumpet, transforming the brand logo into a symbol of music, creativity, and joy. Her design fuses South Africa’s cultural vibrancy with the brand’s spirit of #upLIFTment, using a bright, expressive palette to celebrate artistic freedom and optimism. The result is a visual anthem – an illustration that quite literally turns LIFT into a sound of celebration.
Kealeboga Lethebe (23) – Pretoria
As one of the youngest finalists, Kealeboga’s design reflects a modern, energetic spirit. Her concept merges iconic landmarks – from the Telkom Tower to Moses Mabhida Stadium and Table Mountain – symbolising LIFT’s ability to connect South Africa’s major cities. Surrounding doodles bring playful movement and rhythm, expressing a balance between precision and creativity, much like the LIFT experience itself – vibrant, purposeful, and full of life.
Louw le Roux (47) – Bloemfontein
A creative professional with roots in advertising, Louw brings decades of artistic insight to his design. His entry, a tribute to five years of LIFT’s success, blends simplicity with depth — “tipping its hat” to the airline’s proud South African heritage and its journey of passion and purpose. Louw’s work embodies a moment in time for the brand — a minimalist expression with a powerful, celebratory message.
Leo Burger (28) – Knysna
An Experience Design Lead from Knysna, Leo finds inspiration in all forms of creativity — from music and art to décor and design. His concept unites South Africa’s diverse landscapes into a single, connected horizon, combining Table Mountain, Durban’s beaches, and Johannesburg’s skyline. Using LIFT’s colour palette and clean, modern forms, his design captures the brand’s essence of connection and movement — from ocean to city lights, celebrating how LIFT bridges people, places, and experiences across one shared sky.
The winning design was professionally applied to one of LIFT’s Airbus A320s and unveiled as part of the airline’s 5th birthday celebrations.
This is a full-circle moment for LIFT – celebrating five years in the South African aviation industry while reconnecting with the people who helped shape the airline’s story from the very beginning. Don’t miss your chance to have a say and be part of LIFT’s history!
To everyone who entered and voted‚ thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to 5 years in the skies‚ and many more ahead.
About LIFT:
LIFT is operated by Global Aviation Operations (Pty) LTD trading as LIFT. LIFT is SA’s first fully flexible airline, offering hassle-free changes and cancellations, generous legroom, and complimentary vida e caffè coffee and snacks at no extra charge. LIFT’s goal is to make travel comfortable, convenient, and stress-free.
LIFT is constantly introducing solutions that focus on elevating the traveller experience. From its Premium option with generous legroom, to the safe and secure LIFT Wallet, offering quick refunds with no payment delay and allowing passengers to fly with small dogs in the cabin.
LIFT loves local! This is evident in partnerships and collabs with local brands like Vida, and Grumpy Snacks, and its well-loved in-flight surprises featuring local artists, most recently high tea with The Oyster Box. From silent discos, book launches and fashion shows to LIFT’s partnership with renowned South African singer, Zolani Mohola, LIFT enjoys nothing more than celebrating SA’s talent and success.
LIFT offers up to 28 daily flights, facilitated by their passionate, customer-obsessed team on the ground and in the air.
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