Cape Town — South African state-carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced the return of its flights to Perth Australia, set to commence at the end of April this year.
The troubled state-owned airline was forced to suspend operations in 2019, with the state carrier placed under business rescue. The Covid-19 pandemic further deteriorated the airlines economic recovery efforts, EWN reported.
SAA announced that operations to Perth are in line with the airline’s strategic plans to scale its operations to a profitable level by leveraging SAA’s unique capabilities as a national carrier with wide-body aircraft that can provide South Africa with long-haul intercontinental air connectivity, according to SAA CEO, John Lamola.
SAA is delighted to announce the return of its flights to Perth, Australia. The inaugural flight from Johannesburg to Perth is scheduled for 28 April 2024. Bookings open today, Monday 8 January 2024. pic.twitter.com/mRmkNO5SBn
— SAA – South Africa (@flysaa) January 8, 2024
He said that SAA is pleased that it can further enhance the seamless travel into and out of Australia for customers of the 25 airlines that are co-members of the alliance.
“Besides the global interconnectivity potential of this route, Perth has long been a favoured destination for South African and Australian travellers, with approximately 80% of our target market being visiting family and friends,” adds Lamola. “The recommencement of the route provides an easier and direct passage for both leisure and business travellers, promoting trade and cultural exchange between South Africa and Australia.”
For the launch phase of the route, SAA will operate an Airbus A340 – 300, with a total seat capacity of 253 (38 business class seats and 215 economy seats).
We are committed to growing SAA into a revered leader in the global aviation sector. Perth is but one indicator of this ambition and gives us confidence that our vision of expanding our footprint to over 20 destinations this year will be realised,” concludes Lamola.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
