Operation Rescue 9-1-1time launches
2012-08-31 15:23
Johannesburg - A witty ‘Rescue 9-1-1time' Facebook campaign has been launched in light of 1time Airline's recent decision to apply for business rescue.
Loyal 1time passengers, staff and members of the aviation industry united to show their support for the airline and to rally others to get behind the "Rescue 9-1-1time" online campaign.
Within a few hours the page was inundated with fan comments such as "I used 1time two weeks ago to mother city and it was wonderful! Great service and friendly staff. Phambili 1Time phambili", to "I support 1time Airline, I hope they pull through and come up tops again. For all the people at 1time hang in there and make it happen," and "Our Challenges are not our limits; they're our greatest opportunity to SHINE! We're behind you 1time, ALL the way!"
The campaign, which was voluntarily created by software development company, Eliance is dedicated to generating awareness of 1time's business rescue and growth plans, and gathering support from South Africans by encouraging them to keep flying 1time and in turn, helping the private airline to continue operating.
1time CEO, Blacky Komani says that the campaign is a testament to the unity of South Africans, and their determination to help make a difference in the country's economy by keeping private businesses afloat.
"When we first informed our stakeholders that 1time had applied for debt relief, we were uncertain as to what their reactions would be as the term Business Rescue is relatively unknown in the market place. People didn't understand that Business Rescue is providing us with a temporary safety net so that we can re-organise the business financially and strategically. However, thanks to the media highlighting our current position and our strategy going forward, support has literally poured in from every corner of the country.
"The 9-1-1time campaign is a perfect example of the power, conviction and purpose that South African consumers demonstrate whenever a favoured brand is faced with a crisis, and is also an indicator of the powerful impact that can be made by social media and through two-way communication.
"It is fantastic to see that so many of 1time's passengers are backing us as a sure bet and publically committing their support to sustain our future. Just as interesting, is that it is clear that members of the general public are also concerned with the outlook of the low cost aviation industry in general to ensure that fair pricing and competitive practice is maintained."
Komani concludes that this support will help propel the airline's continued success.
"1time has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support since I announced our business rescue application. I sincerely thank everyone who has expressed their continued support for our airline, and wish to reassure all our passengers and supporters that for 1time, it is business as usual.
"Flights that are scheduled to depart and arrive tomorrow and the days to follow, will keep doing so as we have for the past eight years. In fact, operations are running so smoothly that we have again beaten traditional as well as other low cost carriers in On Time Performance across South Africa for the fourth month in a row," chuckles Komani happily.
