Santa upgrades to jet engines as FlySafair launches its first-ever Christmas livery
Santa’s got a new ride, and it’s proudly South African! FlySafair has revealed “Santa’s Sleigh”, a specially designed Boeing 737-800 that will spread festive cheer across South Africa throughout the festive season.
The vibrant livery transforms one of FlySafair’s signature pink aircraft (ZS- SJV) into a modern high-speed sleigh, complete with Santa being pulled by a springbok, zebra, and gemsbok soaring through the skies. This playful African twist captures the joy, imagination, and wonder of the holiday season in bold, festive illustrations.
“This campaign is all about bringing a little extra sparkle to the festive season,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “Through our ‘Letters to Santa’ partnership with KFM Mornings, we’re helping bring children’s wishes to life. At the same time, we wanted to create something truly magical for our customers. Santa’s Sleigh is a celebration of imagination, family moments, and the spirit of making holiday wishes come true, with a uniquely South African touch.”
This marks FlySafair’s first Christmas-themed livery, joining a proud tradition of special aircraft designs that have celebrated the Springboks, Proteas, and other milestones. Santa’s Sleigh will operate across all FlySafair routes during the festive period, giving travellers the chance to spot, or even fly on, the most festive aircraft in South Africa.
Inspired by the excitement and wonder of Christmas with a distinctly African flavour, the livery will remain on the aircraft throughout December and into January, ensuring holiday journeys feel just a little more magical.
Travellers are encouraged to keep an eye out for Santa’s Sleigh at airports or in the skies, and share their sightings on social media using #SantasNewSleigh and tagging @FlySafair for a chance to win two return flights worth R10,000.
FlySafair’s Christmas initiative ties into the airline’s commitment to making air travel accessible and joyful for South African families. With FlySafair’s reputation as Africa’s most on-time airline, Santa couldn’t have chosen a better partner to ensure he reaches every destination on schedule.
For more information about FlySafair’s festive season activities and the ‘Letters to Santa’ initiative, visit www.flysafair.co.za.
About FlySafair
FlySafair, Southern Africa’s leading low-cost carrier and proud Trusted Domestic Carrier for the Springboks and Proteas offers budget-friendly flights starting at R570* for domestic travel between ten destinations. FlySafair also operates five international routes, connecting South Africa with our African neighbours from Johannesburg starting from R1 400*, as well as Cape Town to Windhoek, starting at just R1 800*. Since operations began in 2014, the airline has been ranked the top on-time low-cost airline in the world by Cirium. In 2025, FlySafair received five awards at the SACAA Civil Aviation Industry Awards, including Aircraft Operator, Aviation Innovation, People Development, Aviation Professional presented to Blacky Komani, and Best Airline by Public Vote. FlySafair was also awarded the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025
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