Love was truly in the air for passengers aboard LIFT flight GE131 from Johannesburg to Cape Town as they embarked on an unexpected literary journey. Renowned author Jo Watson surprised travelers with a mid-air book launch of her latest work, “Love at First Flight,” in collaboration with LIFT and Jonathan Ball Publishers. The sky-high event added a touch of romance to the month of love, fittingly echoing the storyline of the book, which revolves around the unexpected connections between an air-traffic controller and a pilot.
The Surprise Launch: Passengers were treated to an exclusive first glimpse into Watson’s new book during the surprise book launch orchestrated by LIFT and Jonathan Ball Publishers. Lucky book enthusiasts even had the joy of receiving a signed copy of “Love at First Flight” from the author herself. The mid-air launch was a unique and memorable experience, setting a new standard for inflight entertainment and literary events.
The Month of Love: The collaboration between Jo Watson, Jonathan Ball Publishers, and LIFT Airlines was a celebration of local talent and creativity. In the words of LIFT CEO, Jonathan Ayache, the airline is dedicated to uplifting South African artists and creatives, providing an elevated experience for their travelers. The spontaneous book launch was a testament to LIFT’s commitment to offering unique and memorable experiences to its passengers.
Jo Watson’s Remarkable Journey: As an award-winning author with over ten books to her name, Jo Watson has made a significant impact on the literary scene. Her book, “Love To Hate You,” became an overnight bestseller, reaching #9 on the Amazon UK charts. Watson’s stories have garnered over 60 million reads on platforms like Amazon, with a substantial following of over 119,000 readers. A graduate of the South African arts and media school AFDA, Watson’s diverse background in scriptwriting, directing, producing, and copywriting has contributed to the richness of her storytelling.
LIFT’s Legacy of Inflight Performances: The surprise book launch is not the first time LIFT has brought entertainment to the skies. The airline has previously hosted inflight performances by Cape Town Opera, Divine Mahara’s album launch with the first-ever LIFT Silent Disco, a comedy skit by Schalk Bezuidenhout, and a second Silent Disco performance featuring Zolani Mahola, “The One Who Sings.” These experiences underscore LIFT’s commitment to providing its passengers with unique and culturally enriching moments.