SAA will launch an additional flight between Johannesburg and new African destination

South African Airways (SAA) has announced significant schedule and route enhancements to its African network, including: added frequencies to several destinations, new or upgraded aircraft on certain routes, and product developments that will further enhance the flight experience for SAA's valued customers.

From 25 February 2012, SAA will launch an additional flight between Johannesburg and the following cities: Lusaka (Zambia) on Wednesdays and Sundays; Kinshasa (DRC) on Mondays through Saturdays; and Accra (Ghana) daily except Wednesdays.

"These additions are part of SAA's strategy to optimize its schedule throughout the African continent, resulting in expanded services and more convenient schedules and connections for our customers," said Theunis Potgieter, General Manager of Commercial for SAA.

SAA will take delivery of 22 new, state-of-the-art narrow body Airbus A320 aircraft as part of its fleet renewal process. "We are also in the process of optimizing flight departure times and adding our brand new Airbus A320 aircraft on key domestic routes, whilst also scheduling wide body aircraft on other heavily-traveled markets. These changes and enhancements will further solidify SAA's position as the leading and most awarded airline in Africa," added Potgieter.

Effective 24 February 2012, the first of the new A320s will service specific flights between Johannesburg and Durban, with the second aircraft also used on the route from 18 March. The more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly A320 aircraft are more economical to operate.

These changes will result in improved schedules for regional flights. The departure and arrival times for flights between Johannesburg and Mauritius (from 1 March 2012), Nairobi (from 18 March 2012) and Accra (from 25 March 2012) will be adjusted, resulting in more convenient connection opportunities to and from SAA's international flights. Effective 18 March 2012, flight times for SA028 and SA029 between Johannesburg and Harare will be optimized. SA028 and SA029 will also be upgraded to wide body A330 aircraft on Fridays, accounting for the typically higher demand on that day.

Aircraft upgrades will also be implemented on certain flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town as of 18 March, with the Airbus A330 operating several of the daily frequencies.

In line with SAA's growth strategy, the airline recently introduced new flights to Kigali (Rwanda) from Johannesbug, Bujumbura (Burundi), and Beijing (China).

Rwanda: South African Airways Resumes Flights to Kigali

The South African Airways (SAA) has added Rwanda to its 500 destinations across the world by Resuming flights to Kigali- Johannesburg route.

An Airbus A319 aircraft with a capacity of carrying 120 passengers; 25 in business class and 95 in economy class will operate three days a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Johannesburg to Kigali, before departing for Bujumbura.

The return flights will operate from Bujumbura to Kigali and onwards to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.

"Who knows home than we do, we are very confident to operate in this market, even if there are other companies operating on the same route," said Aaron Munetsi, SAA's regional general manager for Africa and Middle East.

According to Munetsi, SAA sees great potential in the Rwandan Market as a fast growing economy to realise their business goals.

"Air traffic is growing and the African continent is resilient to different circles of global meltdown," Munetsi noted.

Viresh Vallabhbhai, acting charge d'affaires at the South African High Commission noted that SAA's operations will also strengthen bilateral ties and increase investments.

"This is the beginning of investments from South Africa, we are expecting more businesses, either by South Africans or other investors outside South Africa," says Vallabhbhai.

"It's a win-win situation. The role we are playing is not only the opening up the airline but connecting Rwanda to the great trade boom in all 500 connections."

The airline is represented mainly in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, North America and Australia.

Dr. Alexis Nzahabwanimana, the Minister of State in charge of Transport, welcomed the development, saying that SAA's knows the market and their resumption of flights to Rwanda is a clear indication that they have confidence in the local aviation market.

Last year, Rwanda's aviation industry attracted interest from international players, including Turkish Airways and Emirates Airlines while the national carrier stepped up efforts to increase its foothold in Africa. It is expected that Rwanda's air traffic will rise to 300 flights per week from 200 last year.

SAA to benefit as Air Zimbabwe faces bankruptcy

Workers at Air Zimbabwe have successfully won a high court application to have the airline placed under judicial management, which will now see its affairs handled by a judicial manager, Innocent Mavhunga, and not the airline’s board.

South African Airways (SAA) and Emirates are set to cash in on the woes that have gripped Zimbabwe’s state-owned airline, Air Zimbabwe, which yesterday was placed under judicial management because of a $140m debt.

Workers at the embattled airline successfully won a high court application to have the airline placed under judicial management, which will now see its affairs handled by a judicial manager, Innocent Mavhunga, and not the Air Zimbabwe board.

At the heart of the court intervention is a salary dispute between Air Zimbabwe and its workers, who claim to be owed more than $35m in outstanding salaries since June 2009.

Caleb Mucheche, a lawyer for the workers’ union, said: "Since the court has appointed a judicial manager it means this is a prelude to liquidation. The judicial manager will now move in and the current Air Zimbabwe board will have to step aside.

"The judicial manager will assess if Air Zimbabwe is still a viable entity, but as the way things stand, all is not well, and he is likely to recommend liquidation. That is the process. Whenever a judicial manager comes in, the next step is liquidation," Mr Mucheche said.

Air Zimbabwe has had to suspend several international and regional flights to Johannesburg and  London as its debt crisis ballooned and saw its flagship Boeing aircraft seized by creditors for nonpayment of services.

The threat of liquidation is certain to work in favour of SAA, which holds the lion’s share in the airline market in Zimbabwe, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

In 2010, SAA "accounted for the lion’s share of the airline market with 29,3%, relegating Air Zimbabwe to second position at 22,1%. British Airways-Comair came close on third position with 18,4%, while South African Airlink holds fourth position at 10,1%," reads a civil aviation authority report.

The United Arab Emirates-owned Emirates Airlines will start flights to Harare from February 1, in what is expected to start a return of international airlines to Zimbabwe after a 10-year hiatus.

More than 15 international airlines have pulled out of Zimbabwe, among them Lufthansa, Qantas, Austrian Airlines, Swissair, Air India, Air France and TAP Air Portugal.

SAA Set for Inaugural Beijing Flight

South African Airways is gearing up for its inaugural non-stop flight to China. An SAA Airbus A340-600, specially branded in honour of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, will leave Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on 31 January, arriving in Beijing on 1 February.

SAA - named Africa's best airline for the ninth year running in the 2011 Skytrax World Airline Awards - will operate the Johannesburg-Beijing route non-stop three times a week using its Airbus A340-600 long-haul aircraft.

Flights between Johannesburg and Beijing take on average 15 hours, and flyers will be able to make use of the Air China Lounges in Beijing. Bookings are open through travel agencies and www.flyssa.com.

"SAA is most pleased to introduce non-stop flights to Beijing, China," SAA chief executive Siza Mzimela said in December. "This new route is in line with SAA's strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world."

Strategic partnership

China and South Africa established a comprehensive strategic partnership in August last year, entering into agreements for cooperation in infrastructure construction, transportation, water resource use, housing, health and education.

The introduction of non-stop flights between the two destinations promises to facilitate business and leisure travel between the two countries.

"Introducing direct flights between China and South Africa will promote tourism and trade, not only to South Africa, but also to all Southern African Development Community and other African countries," Mzimela said.

"South Africa and neighbouring destinations such as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are already popular destinations for Chinese tourists."

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world. Beijing Capital International, located 32 kilometres north-east of the city centre, is the main airport serving Beijing, and one of the busiest in the world.

There are three terminals at the airport, and South African Airways will operate in and out of terminal three, the designated terminal for Star Alliance partners.

SAA's operations at the Beijing airport will be handled by Air China which, like SAA, also belongs to the Star Alliance.

"Air China will also be code-sharing on the flight between Johannesburg and Beijing," SAA said. "SAA in turn will code-share with Air China to and from Shanghai, with further destinations in China to follow in the near future."

South African Airways increasing its flights between South Africa and Malawi

South African Airways (SAA) has said it is seriously looking at the possibility of increasing its flights frequency between South Africa and Malawi.

SAA’s country manager James Chikaonda said this during the airline’s sponsored programme broadcast Tuesday Malawi’s private radio Capital FM.

He said research is underway to determine the viability of increasing flights to Malawi.

“It has not yet come to the executive drawing board but research is ongoing to see if we can fly 7 times into Blantyre and 7 times to Lilongwe but we will also have to consider all the legally binding agreements on trade and thereafter a decision will be made,” said Chikaonda.

He said SAA has introduced a direct 16 hour flight from Johannesburg to New York and that from January 31, 2012 another long-haul 15 hour flight to Beijing from OR Tambo in South Africa.

“We value our passengers’ time and SAA will always be on schedule because time is money those travelling to New York and Beijing must now be assured that we will get them there and on time,” Chikaonda said.

This is the first time SAA has publicly came with such a stand especially when their competitor on the route, Air Malawi, is no longer servicing the Joburg route due to non-availability of aircraft.

Travellers continue to complain of having no choice since all SAA flights to and from Malawi have been booked up to February next year.

If SAA brings in more flights into Malawi, it will mean they will fully capitalise on the demand which has increased because of Air Malawi’s absence on the market.

Other travellers has also bemoaned SAA’s high airfares which are K150, 000 a return ticket against K70, 000 offered by Air Malawi.

The gap of flights to Johannesburg is said to affect Air Malawi as 60 percent of the national flag carrier’s revenue is being lost daily.

South African Airways to fly non-stop to Beijing

South African Airways (SAA) will start flying non-stop from Johannesburg to Beijing, China, from January next year, in line with the carrier's strategy to expand its network to Asia.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to leave Johannesburg' OR Tambo International Airport on 31 January 2012, and is set to arrive in Beijing on 1 February. Travellers can already book for the flights through the SAA website and travel agents.

SAA will operate the route non-stop three times a week with its Airbus A340-600 long-haul aircraft, while flyers will be able to make use of the Air China Lounges in Beijing.

"SAA is most pleased to introduce non-stop flights to Beijing, China," said airline chief executive Siza Mzimela in a statement this week. "This new route is in line with SAA's strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world."

Comprehensive strategic partnership

China and South Africa established a comprehensive strategic partnership in August last year, entering into bilateral agreements for cooperation on in infrastructure construction, transportation, water resources utilisation, housing, health and education.

The introduction of non-stop flights between the two destinations promises to facilitate business and leisure travel between the two countries.

"Introducing direct flights between China and South Africa will promote tourism and trade, not only to South Africa, but also to all the Southern African Development Community and other African countries," said Mzimela.

"South Africa and neighbouring destinations such as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are already popular destinations for Chinese tourists."

Star Alliance partner

Beijing Capital International Airport is the main international airport serving Beijing, and is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located 32 kilometres northeast of Beijing's city centre.

There are three terminals at the airport and SAA will operate in and out of terminal three, which is also the designated terminal for Star Alliance partners. SAA's operations at the Beijing airport will be handled by Air China, which like SAA, also belongs to the Star Alliance.

"Air China will also be code-sharing on the flight between Johannesburg and Beijing. SAA in turn will code share with Air China to and from Shanghai, with further destinations in China to follow in the near future," the statement added.

Direct Flights to Beijing to be offered by South African Airways

South African Airways will be offering flights from January next year which will fly nonstop to Beijing International Airport, which is located in the city centre. This is the first time they have offered this service and the first flight will leave from Johannesburg in South Africa on the 31^st January and there will be three weekly flights. South African Airways was voted at the World Travel Awards as Africa’s Leading Airline.

The chief executive of South African Airways, Siza Mzimela, explained that the airline is very pleased to offer these flights. He said that they have plans to expand in to Asia, which is the fastest growing market in the world and that this was part of their plan. The linking of the countries should include trade and tourism, which will spread through all of the Southern African Development community. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and South Africa are expected to be popular as Chinese tourists are already regular visitors and so by making it easier to get to, it should see even more visits. It will connect two important BRICS countries as well and help trade between them.

It was in August last year, when China and South Africa formed a partnership. They discussed issues such as working together on housing, education, health, infrastructure, construction, water resources utilisation and transportation. As part of this, the non-stop flights should help the two countries to be able to have more leisure and business traffic moving between them.

South African Airways Introduces Non-stop Flights to Beijing, China

Johannesburg, South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) will start flying non-stop to Beijing, China, for the first time in the history of the airline, from January next year.

The inaugural flights is scheduled to leave Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday 31 January 2012, as is set to arrive in Beijing, China on Wednesday 1 February 2012.

“SAA is most pleased to introduce non-stop flights to Beijing, China. This new route is in line with SAA’s strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world,” says SAA’s CEO Siza Mzimela.

China and South Africa established a comprehensive strategic partnership in August last year. The countries subsequently entered into bilateral agreements for cooperation on infrastructure construction, transportation, water resources utilisation, housing, health and education. The introduction of non-stop flights between the two destinations promises to facilitate business and leisure travel between the two countries.

“Introducing direct flights between China and South Africa will promote tourism and trade, not only to South Africa, but also to all the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African countries. South Africa and neighbouring destinations such as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are already popular destinations for Chinese tourists.
“Similarly, for South Africans and other African countries, the flight will open up China as a new tourist destination and create a bridge between South America and China, connecting three very important BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and promoting trade amongst these countries,” says Mzimela.
Beijing Capital International Airport (BJS) is the main international airport serving Beijing, China and one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located 32 kilometer northeast of Beijing’s city center, owned and operated by the Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited, a state-controlled company. There are three terminals at the airport and SAA will operate in and out of terminal three, which is also the designated terminal for Star Alliance partners.

SAA’s operations at the Beijing airport will be handled by Air China, SAA’s partner in the Star Alliance. Air China will also be code-sharing on the flight between Johannesburg and Beijing. SAA in turn will code share with Air China to/from Shanghai (PVG), with further destinations in China to follow in the near future.

SAA customers will be able to relax and enjoy the use of the excellent Air China Lounges. SAA will operate the route non-stop three times a week with its A340-600 long haul aircraft.

Business Class on these aircraft offers the award winning lie-flat seat which reclines to a complete bed and has various seating position settings. Each business class seat is equipped with a privacy screen, a personal reading lamp and leg-rest, footrest, telephone and entertainment handset. All seats are also fitted with a personal television. The seats in economy class on SAA’s long haul aircraft offer a very comfortable pitch of between 33 and 34 inches for increased flying comfort.

Flying time between Johannesburg and Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China takes almost 15 hours. Beijing is one of the most populous cities in the world and the country's political, cultural and educational centre and the headquarters of most of China’s largest state-owned companies.

Schedule:
From Johannesburg to Beijing:

Flight SA288
Days: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Departs: *08h00
Arrives: *04h40 following day

From Beijing to Johannesburg:

Flight SA289
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Departs: *06h40
Arrives: *15h30 the same day

*All times are local. Please note that these slots may change.

South African Airways expands African routes

South African Airways has announced an expansion of its African routes into the Congo as well as a new international route to China. The SAA will launch services to Pointe Noire in the Congo from Jan. 26 and Beijing from Jan. 31.

Pointe Noire is the fourth new African destination this financial year. It joins Ndola, in Zambia; Kigali, in Rwanda; and Bujumbura, in Burundi.