South Africans are once again invited to make their mark in the sky as LIFT celebrates its 5th birthday with a nationwide tail design competition.
South Africans are being called to take part in shaping the look of the skies once more. As LIFT marks its 5th birthday, the airline has unveiled the top five finalists in its Tail Design Competition — and public voting officially opens on 13 November 2025.
The response to the competition has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since its launch, LIFT has received nearly 3,000 submissions from creative minds across the country. The shortlisted finalists — representing Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Knysna — embody the spirit of national creativity, unity, and pride.
The winning design will soon take flight on a real LIFT Airbus A320, turning it into a striking, sky-high canvas that celebrates South African ingenuity.
“From the very beginning, LIFT has been a brand shaped by South Africans, for South Africans,” says Haydn Halim-Henning, LIFT Brand Manager. “Back in 2020, the country came together to help choose our name – and now, five years later, we’re inviting the nation to help us celebrate this milestone by choosing the tail design that best captures what LIFT means to them today.”
Halim-Henning says narrowing down the entries was no easy task. “There were so many incredible designs submitted, it was incredibly difficult to narrow it down – but we have selected the top five. The creativity and variety we’ve seen have been most inspiring, from hand-drawn and scanned artwork to sleek AI-integrated renders.”
The competition’s open format encouraged participation from all skill levels and artistic styles. Finalists range in age from 23 to 47, representing both emerging talent and experienced professionals. Each design, says LIFT, captures a different facet of the airline’s identity — its culture, community, and commitment to connection.
“We’re excited to see South Africans getting involved again and helping us select the design that will grace our limited-edition birthday tail,” Halim-Henning adds. “The winning designer will also receive flights for a whole year!”
With the top five revealed, the public now has the final say. Voting is open — and it’s time for South Africans to decide which design will soar into the skies as part of LIFT’s 5th birthday celebration.
Prize DeTAILs:
- The winning design will be professionally applied to one of LIFT’s Airbus A320s and unveiled in December as part of the airline’s 5th birthday celebrations.
- One lucky voter will also win R5000 in their LIFT Wallet.
How Voting Works:
- Browse the top 5 shortlisted designs – here
- Select the one you want to see take to the skies.
- Submit your vote at the bottom of the page.
- Follow the prompts and share your details for a chance to win a R5000 LIFT Wallet!
Judging Criteria:
We’re looking for the designs that best capture “the vibe of LIFT” – think bold, fun, and uniquely South African. Originality, creativity, and effort matter far more than technical skill or professionalism.
Keep track of the competition, updates, and spot prizes on LIFT’s Instagram @lift__sa.
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!
