Comair CEO quits after 13 years at the helm

Comair, the only JSE listed aviation company and owner of low-cost airline Kulula.com, has recently undergone a significant change with the departure of its long-standing CEO, Erik Venter. Venter, who has been at the helm for 23 years, spoke to CNBC Africa about his decision to step down and the future of the company. Venter explained that his departure was not sudden and had been part of a carefully planned succession process within the organization. He expressed the need for fresh leadership and new perspectives to lead the company to new heights. During the interview, Venter highlighted the recent partnership with Lufthansa Technik to provide support for Comair's Boeing 737 fleet. This collaboration is expected to revolutionize maintenance practices in South Africa and improve on-time performance significantly. Venter emphasized the efficiency and effectiveness of Lufthansa Technik's approach, citing a quick turnaround time in providing an implementation plan as a testament to their professionalism. In addition to the partnership with Lufthansa Technik, Comair has diversified its business portfolio to include training, catering, travel and tourism, slow lounges, and an IT business. These ventures have been set up to operate independently, allowing the company to focus on its core aviation services. Venter believes that with these new developments in place, the business is now well-prepared to thrive on its own without his constant involvement. Addressing the issue of the Boeing MAX-8 aircraft, Venter expressed confidence in the plane's capabilities despite previous setbacks. He mentioned that international aviation authorities are currently reviewing system updates and test flight data to recertify the aircraft. Once approved, Comair looks forward to reintroducing the MAX-8 to its fleet and utilizing its advanced features to enhance the travel experience for passengers. In closing, Venter briefly touched on recent strike action faced by the company, noting that the dispute had been interdicted due to procedural errors by the union. He expressed a commitment to working with the union to resolve any issues and maintain peaceful relations going forward. As Venter prepares to take a break and explore new opportunities outside of aviation, Comair looks ahead to a new chapter under fresh leadership and strategic partnerships. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and reliability, Comair aims to continue providing exceptional air travel services to its customers while embracing growth opportunities and industry advancements.