FROM the era of the sedans in the 1960s to minibuses in the 1980s, the taxi industry is now taking to the skies. The SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) is to launch its airline tomorrow.

In the event destined to add a new dimension in the history of public transport, the national taxi representative body will test its first flight at an occasion expected to be attended by bigwigs in business and government, who will include President Jacob Zuma and Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele.

The test flight will fly from Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg to Bhisho Airport in Eastern Cape and back.

Santaco spokesman Thabisho Molelekwa described the event as a great milestone in the history of the taxi industry.

"It is quite a milestone. It tells a story of the founding fathers of the taxi industry. Our people, who have had no access to air travel, will now be afforded that opportunity," Molelekwa said.

He said details around fare price, number of flights and full operation would be announced by Santaco president Jabulani Mthembu at the launch.

Molelekwa mentioned though that the tickets would be available at retail supermarkets and major taxi ranks.

He said the first phase would be between Lanseria, Bhisho and Cape Town International airports.