South African Airways (SAA) will resume direct flights between Johannesburg and Australia's fourth largest city, Perth, from April 28th.
The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) has welcomed the move ahead of the conference and exhibition industry event Meetings Africa 2024, which opened at the Sandton Convention Center on Tuesday, with strong demand for seat reservations, particularly in economy class. He said that.
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With the resumption of the route, the national carrier will operate three round-trip direct flights a week from the end of April, South Africa's economic hub's Tourism Promotion Authority announced on Monday. This follows SAA suspending operations on the route for three years due to the impact of COVID-19 and SAA's own financial difficulties.
GTA CEO Thembiso Dlamini said: “We are really excited that these flights will resume.”
“This route will provide an easy and direct passage for both leisure and business travelers and will foster trade and cultural exchange between South Africa and Australia,” she said in a statement.
'Important' move for airlines
In October and November last year, SAA launched the first intercontinental route since the coronavirus pandemic, linking Cape Town and Johannesburg to Brazil's financial capital São Paulo.
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“The resumption of direct flights from Johannesburg to Perth aims to connect the two cities and bridge diverse cultures and experiences,” the GTA said.
“This will give Australian travelers easy access to the rich tapestry of experiences Gauteng has to offer, from a vibrant urban lifestyle to stunning natural landscapes. An invitation to explore the #GPLifestyle, the unique blend of adventure, culture and gastronomy that is famous for.”
SAA chairman Derek Hanekom told Moneyweb the resumption of the Perth route was important for the national carrier.
“SAA's return to Perth is a testament to the airline's resilient efforts and focus to ensure SAA grows international flights to Perth and Western Australia,” he said.
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“SAA is returning to Perth for the first time in three years due to the pandemic, offering Southern Hemisphere travel packages from Perth to São Paulo via Johannesburg,” Hanekom added.
“The SAA team considered both the Australian and South African markets, which are expected to reach pre-COVID-19 levels by 2025, with the potential for the market to accelerate the level of recovery. I expect there to be.”
More destinations to come in the future
Hanekom cited a variety of factors that contributed to the route's reopening, saying the airline considered potential connections, competition, fleet, tourism, trade, schedule and cargo opportunities before deciding to operate the route. “We will offer 78,936 seats to our customers,” he said. Perth Market”.
“On this route, SAA will operate an Airbus A340-300 with a total seating capacity of 253.” [38 business class seats and 215 economy seats],” he added.
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GTA said overnight flights direct to Perth will depart from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights to and from Perth International Airport operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Meanwhile, Hanekom hinted at further important developments by the airline.
“SAA is committed to developing the airline into a respected leader in global aviation. Perth is just one indicator of this ambition, with a presence in more than 20 destinations. It gives us confidence that our vision to expand will become a reality.”
