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).

South African Airways launches flights to Kigali and Bujumbura

South African Airways launched flights to two more destinations on the African continent from Johannesburg to Kigali in Rwanda and onwards to Bujumbura in Burundi. This is in line with the airline’s Africa growth plans.

The flights will operate from Johannesburg to Kigali (Rwanda) and onwards to Bujumbura (Burundi). The return flights will operate from Bujumbura to Kigali and onwards to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International airport. Travellers and freight on the Kigali-Bujumbura-Kigali sectors will allow for growth in the Great Lakes region of Central and Eastern Africa, thereby increasing intra-regional connectivity.

“South African Airways is focused on strengthening its intra-Africa network in line with its Africa Expansion strategy. Adding even more destinations to our already extensive Africa route network gives our customers more travel options to exciting destinations that were previously difficult to reach by air,” says Theunis Potgieter, SAA General Manager Commercial.

In addition to being the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali is also its economic, cultural and tourist transit hub. Bujumbura is Burundi’s capital and largest city and is close to the country’s main port, shipping coffee as its primary export. The route between Johannesburg to Kigali and onwards to Bujumbura will be serviced three times a week by SAA’s A319 aircraft which accommodate 120 passengers in a two class (business and economy) configuration. The flight is scheduled to connect with the rest of SAA’s African and international route network.

South African Airways launches China flight

Africa's biggest airliner, South African Airways (SAA) is this month-end expected to launch its inaugural non-stop flight to Beijing, China. "The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Tuesday 31 January 2012 from Johannesburg to arrive in Beijing, on Wednesday 1 February 2012," according to an announcement to its Voyagers members.

SAA’s plan to introduce a non-stop flight into Beijing is expected to boost economic and trade links between Africa and China.

China is one of the four largest foreign investors in Africa. Its engagement in Africa has been bashed by critics as a new form of colonialism while pro-China commentators contend that no single economy can do without interacting with China.
The introduction of a non-stop flight from Johannesburg to the Beijing will supplement other African carriers like Ethiopian Airlines and Air Zimbabwe which fly into China with stops in other Asian states like Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

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 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.

SAA introduces fifth flight to Accra

South African Airways (SAA) has strengthened its operations to West Africa by adding a fifth flight to Accra route.

“SAA is supporting the growth in demand for air travel to Ghana by adding more travel options for our valued customers,” said Theunis Potgieter, SAA General Manager Commercial in a statement issued in Accra and made available to the Ghana News Agency.

It said with Accra being one of SAA’s key destinations in West Africa, the airline would from December 2, 2011, add a fifth frequency between its hub in Johannesburg, and the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The statement said the flight which would occur on Fridays is now available for reservations through the Global Distribution System (GDS) and via SAA’s website.

“As the leading airline on the continent, South African Airways has a proud and safe history spanning 76 years. We are most pleased to add more travel options to Accra in keeping with the expectations of our customers,” it said.

Ghana serves as one of the major hubs for air travel in West Africa and has experienced significant economic growth in the past several years, leading to a considerable increase in air traffic and demand for more services on the country’s primary international airport.

The statement said SAA would be receiving its sixth new A330-200 in early December adding that the A330-200 is the first twin-powered wide body aircraft to enter the SAA fleet.

“Its cabins are widely recognised as among the best in the sky in terms of spaciousness and quietness. It is one of the safest, most reliable and efficient wide-body aircraft in service today,” it said.

It said passengers travelling from Accra can check in online at www.flysaa.com – 24hrs before departure for a baggage drop off service at the airport.

It said SAA would continue with the expansion of its African route network, with added frequencies on existing routes where demand dictates and by adding new destinations to its Africa route network.

SAA launches China service

South African Airways will start flying from Johannesburg to Beijing, China, on January 31, 2012.

“Introducing direct flights to Beijing is in line with our strategy to expand our network to Asia, the fastest-growing market in the world," said Thevan Krishna, South African Airways' head of Australasia.

South African Airways will fly thrice weekly, every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, to Beijing using Airbus A340-600. The Johannesburg-Beijing flight takes about 15 hours.

"South Africa and Africa is seen as an expanding investment opportunity by China and our new direct service will help support this renewed interest in our region by the Chinese,” Thevan said.

South African Airways is expecting a robust investment opportunity in the city as new international destination.

SAA introduces services to Pointe Noire, Congo and Beijing, China

In line with its strategy of expanding its presence in Central Africa, South African Airways (SAA) will introduce a service to Pointe Noire in the Congo, effective 26 January 2012. This welcome addition to the airline’s ever-expanding route network on the continent offers customers further access into Central Africa. SAA will operate to 21 cities on the continent with the commencement of this service.

Pointe Noire will be served twice a week, with a narrow body aircraft, the Airbus A319. These aircraft offer 120 seats - 95 Economy and 25 in Business Class.

For the first time in the history of the airline, SAA will introduce direct flights to Beijing, China; from January next year. These flights are available from now on for reservations in the global distribution system (GDS) and via SAA’s website flysaa.com.

Introducing direct flights to Beijing is in line with SAA’s strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world. SAA will operate the route three times a week. The route will be served by the Airbus A340-600 aircraft. Flying time between Johannesburg and Beijing takes on average 15 hours.

South African Airways Adds Rwanda and Burundi to African Network

South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, has added two more travel options to its African route network as part of the airline’s growth plans on the continent. Effective January 17, 2012, SAA will commence operations from Johannesburg to Kigali (Rwanda) and onwards to Bujumbura (Burundi). The return flights will operate from Bujumbura to Kigali and onwards to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. These flights are now available for reservations in the Global Distribution System (GDS’s), through your travel agent, and via flysaa.com, the airline’s online website.

The new Kigali and Bujumbura flights have been conveniently timed to provide global connections via our Johannesburg hub and to SAA’s international network, including Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, North America and Australia.

“SAA is focused on strengthening its intra-Africa network in line with its Africa Expansion programme. Adding even more destinations to our already extensive Africa route network gives our customers more travel options to thriving destinations that were previously difficult to reach by air,” says Theunis Potgieter, SAA General Manager Commercial.

In addition to being the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali is also its economic, cultural and tourist transit hub. Bujumbura is Burundi’s capital and largest city and is close to the country’s main port, shipping coffee as its primary export.

The route between Johannesburg to Kigali and onwards to Bujumbura will be serviced three times a week by SAA’s state-of-the-art Airbus A319 aircraft, which is able to accommodate 120 passengers in a two class (business and economy) configuration.

SAA’s most recent addition to its African route network was the start of flights to Ndola, Zambia on October 2nd. The Ndola service is largely aligned to growth in demand from mining executives, especially those flying into South Africa from countries such as Australia.

Schedule for Johannesburg - Kigali - Bujumbura:
Flight SA088    
Operates Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Departs Johannesburg at 13h00, arrives Kigali at 17h00

Flight SA088
Operates Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Departs Kigali at 17h50, arrives Bujumbura at 18h40

Schedule for Bujumbura - Kigali - Johannesburg:        
Flight SA089
Operates Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Departs Bujumbura at 07h50, arrives Kigali at 08h45

Flight SA089
Operates Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Departs Kigali at 09h35, arrives Johannesburg at 13h35

SAA’s Africa route network:
Accra (Ghana); Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) (code share); Blantyre & Lilongwe (Malawi); Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania); Dakar (Senegal); Douala (Cameroon); Libreville (Gabon); Entebbe (Uganda); Kinshasa (DRC); Harare & Vic Falls (Zimbabwe); Luanda (Angola); Lusaka, Livingstone, Ndola (Zambia); Maputo (Mozambique); Mauritius; Nairobi (Kenya); Windhoek (Namibia).

We need healthy competition - South African Airways

South African Airways boss Siza Mzimela said she had no problem with plans by competitor Comair to introduce direct international flights between Durban and London, because it was a market the national airline did not serve.

She was responding to questions at a press conference following SAA’s annual breakfast at the Indaba tourism expo in Durban on Monday.

Mzimela’s comments came in the wake of the KwaZulu-Natal government and Dube TradePort Corporation announcing an agreement with Comair at the weekend.

The agreement would see a route being established between King Shaka International Airport and London’s Gatwick International, in addition to Nairobi and other African cities.

“Frankly we welcome this development, rather than see it as a fight. We need to look at the big picture and the fact is that this is a market not served,” said Mzimela.

“I am happy that someone will be able to service a market that we can’t. However, I think that it needs to be done carefully, because margins are tight in the airline industry. We all need to act wisely in terms of opening up new routes,” she added.

JSE-listed Comair, which operates kulula.com and the British Airways franchise in South Africa, is the country’s largest privately owned airline.

Mzimela said SAA was continuously “looking at new opportunities”, but that it was part of an airline alliance and worked on the “hub and spoke” strategy.

“We’ve got good connectivity to Durban; it’s just a matter of a short trip to Joburg and heading on internationally. We are placing a lot of emphasis on Africa, where the greatest growth is coming from,” she said.

SAA board chairwoman Cheryl Carolus said the airline had a “finite fleet” and there was only so much that it could do.

“We need to look at how best we can use this fleet and invest in routes that make the best business sense.

“The (Comair) agreement with KZN is actually fantastic news for the country and will ultimately be good for the industry in terms of competition – and it’s also good for the customers.

“This is a huge sign of confidence in South Africa’s aviation industry and tourism,” she said.

Last week, at the Hospitality Investment Conference Africa, KZN Tourism MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu said the province had had fruitless negotiations with SAA to re-establish a service between Durban and London.