South African Airways will add an additional Perth-Johannesburg flight from August 16 taking it to daily services, in what the carrier described as a “sign of confidence” in the Australian market.
Country manager Australasia Tim Clyde-Smith said the decision was based on increased interest in travel to Africa, along with growing numbers opting to fly to Europe, South America and the US via South Africa.
“At a time when international airlines are cutting routes and services in the face if challenging economic times, SAA is recognising the strength of our ties with the Australian and New Zealand markets, one of our most important routes,” he said.
“This means we will have a total of 14 flights a week from Australia to South Africa supported by the most comprehensive and growing network on the African continent.”
The carrier’s codeshare with Qantas is scheduled to come to an end on December 31 this year, pending a judicial review.
The airline operates an A340-300 to South Africa from Perth.
