Sheikh Mohammed emphasizes the role of tourism in Dubai’s economic growth.

DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today visited One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in Dubai.

During the visit, His Highness highlighted the pivotal role of the tourism sector in Dubai’s economic expansion. He noted the significant growth of the sector in recent years, driven by an increasing number of visitors. Strong partnerships between public and private sectors have been key to Dubai’s success in delivering exceptional tourism services and facilities, he said.

Dubai is shaping a bright future brimming with new possibilities, with initiatives and projects that are opening new horizons of growth, excellence and innovation, His Highness noted. The emirate has charted a unique path for sustainable development with a strong focus on creating an exceptional environment for investors worldwide to harness the vast opportunities emerging from the emirate’s rise as a leading global business and tourist destination. Dubai is expanding its world-class infrastructure to realise the vast growth promise of its various sectors, including tourism. His Highness stated that these efforts are accelerating efforts to achieve the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to make the city one of the world’s top three urban economies.

Accompanying His Highness Sheikh Mohammed during the visit were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director, Investment Corporation of Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in Dubai developed by Kerzner International. The latest addition to Dubai’s hospitality offerings features 229 opulent hotel rooms and suites distributed across 15 floors, as well as diverse services and an array of exceptional dining options crafted by a distinguished team of world-class chefs. The resort also has sports facilities and an infinity pool, the longest in Dubai, stretching 120 metres and soaring 100 metres above ground level.

The opening of the urban resort in early January comes at a time when the emirate’s tourism industry is experiencing significant growth, providing visitors with a wide range of choices. Recent statistics from the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai reveal that by the end of November 2023, the city had a total of 149,680 hotel rooms in 820 establishments. This marks a significant rise from the 145,000 hotel rooms in 794 establishments recorded at the end of November 2022.

Source: Zawya.

Flydubai launches direct flights to Mombasa.

United Arab Emirates carrier Flydubai Wednesday started flights to Mombasa from Dubai in a move that looks set to raise competition against Kenya Airways (KQ) that also operates on the route.

The carrier has deployed a Boeing 737 type of aircraft on the route, flying four times per week to Moi International Airport from Terminal Three at the Dubai International Airport (DXB).

According to Flydubai online booking, fares from Dubai to Mombasa start from 846 United Arab Emirates Dirhams (Sh37,000) which matches KQ’s starting fares on economy class. Flydubai will be flying to Mombasa on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Mombasa International Airport Manager Abel Gogo said the entry of Flydubai into Mombasa is a good move as it will heighten competition for customers among carriers, a move that will result in a drop in passenger fare.

“The entry of Fly Dubai is good for Mombasa as a region. With this expansion, we are going to witness increased movement of businesspeople and tourists into Mombasa,” said Mr. Gogo Wednesday.

Flydubai is launching direct flights to Mombasa eight years after former Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia granted it the rights in 2016.

The airline has become the first national carrier with direct flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Kenyan coastal city.

The airline plans to partner with Emirates to codeshare the route to offer passengers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.

With the launch of operations to Mombasa, Flydubai has now grown its network in Africa to 11 destinations in 10 countries, including Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu and Zanzibar.

“Dubai has seen steady growth in investment from Africa since Expo 2020 with more than 26,000 African companies registered with Dubai Chamber. Our direct flights to Mombasa and our growing operations in Africa will further support free flows of trade and tourism between the UAE and the East African markets,” said Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

The entry of Flydubai into Mombasa comes barely a few months after Kenya granted Ethiopian Airlines more flights into Mombasa.

Kenya granted Ethiopian Airlines rights to fly twice directly into Mombasa every week last year in July keeping with the open skies policy, setting the stage for intensified competition with KQ.

The open skies policy requires easing access and rules of use of national airports for foreign airlines.

KQ had earlier argued that Kenya risks entering into one-sided deals with foreign carriers in the policy since there is no reciprocity guaranteed.

Source: The East African.

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, owned by Ethiopian Airlines, is the most luxurious and the largest hotel in Ethiopia located at the heart of Africa’s diplomatic hub Addis Ababa, just five minutes away from Bole International Airport. With outstanding, international-standard service, the luxurious hotel awaits you for your leisure and business needs. 

A total of 1024 stunning rooms with relaxing and superb designs are suitable for both corporate and leisure travelers. Enjoy spectacular city and/or airport view in all of our rooms.

Comprising 17 food and beverage outlets – Ethiopian Ta’em Cultural Restaurant, Italian, Arabian and Asian Restaurants , TaiChi the biggest Chinese Restaurant in East Africa and All-Day Dining Restaurant heighten your hotel experience. The Lobby Lounge and the Front Lobby are spacious enough for social and business meetings.

The Grand Ballroom which can accommodate 2000 for sitting setup and 4000 for cocktail setup at a time, it can also be divided into 5 individual halls along with spacious foyer area (can accommodate 500-800 guests). is Ideal for big conference, big corporate events and lavish weddings, our venues provide impeccable and world-class service.  3 Day-light meeting rooms and 2 VIP private holding rooms are fit for your corporate meeting demands.

The outstanding facilities of Green Apple Health Club include, Fitness Center, outdoor heated swimming pool, Thai spa and massage, pool bar, mini-golf courses and beauty salon.

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Navigating Kenya’s eTA Storm – A Critical Examination of the Visa-Free Transition.

By: Bryan Obala-KATA Media & Communications.

In a notable development, Kenya’s anticipated move toward a visa-free era has presented unforeseen challenges. President William Ruto’s announcement of a visa-free regime, initially slated to commence in 2024, has been succeeded by the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This recent development invites a closer examination to understand whether the eTA fundamentally aligns with the essence of a visa-free system or represents a distinct approach.

The Unveiling of eTA:

Contrary to the promise of unhindered travel, the recent implementation of the eTA system has stirred a myriad of reactions. Unveiled on January 5, 2024, the system mandates travelers, excluding East Africans, to apply for the eTA at a cost of at least $30, a stark departure from the notion of a visa-free experience. This unexpected financial requirement challenges the initial expectation of a seamless and cost-free entry process, prompting concerns and raising questions about the true nature of the eTA.

As we delve into the intricacies of this development, a critical analysis is essential to gauge its impact on travelers and the broader travel landscape.

Public Backlash and Social Media Outcry:

The fallout from the eTA launch has manifested on social media platforms. Disappointed travelers, expecting a seamless entry process, now voice concerns over the unexpected costs and additional documentation. Critics argue that the eTA introduction contradicts the essence of a visa-free system, placing financial burdens on global citizens.

“The eTA has removed that categorization, and all visitors are being treated equally. Now the countries that were visa-exempt are now being subjected to a cost,” notes Davis Nyagah, an immigration lawyer. This sentiment resonates with a broader sentiment expressed across various online platforms, emphasizing the need for a balanced and traveler-friendly system. Examining these public reactions provides valuable insights into the expectations of the global community regarding border-crossing policies.

Operational Hiccups and Industry Response:

Beyond the social media outcry, the eTA has faced operational challenges. Reports reveal that travelers must provide extensive documentation, including hotel bookings, flight itineraries, and bank statements, potentially hindering the intended smooth entry process. Michael Macharia, CEO of Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, criticizes the implementation, stating, “The eTA is affecting the tourism industry. When the President said Kenya was visa-free, he never mentioned eTA.”

This industry perspective sheds light on the practical implications of the eTA on businesses and reinforces the need for a cohesive and well-communicated entry process that aligns with the overarching goal of promoting tourism in Kenya.

Government’s Defense and Statistics:

In defense of the eTA, Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Immigration, emphasizes its efficiency and revenue benefits. The government reports collecting a staggering one million dollars (Ksh159 million) from around 25,000 applications within the first week. “The eTA was introduced so that it can process many people. Right now, we do not have any backlog,” explains Mr. Bitok. While the government cites the efficiency of the eTA in managing a high volume of applications, questions arise about the balance between streamlining processes and ensuring a traveler-friendly experience. As we navigate through these contrasting perspectives, it becomes evident that the eTA’s implementation demands a delicate equilibrium to meet both administrative goals and the expectations of global citizens.

Industry Concerns and Potential Repercussions:

Industry leaders express concerns over the eTA’s impact on existing bilateral agreements and the potential for retaliatory measures from affected countries. Michael Macharia questions the disregard for these agreements and suggests that countries might reciprocate with their own fees for Kenyan travelers. “In the old regime, we had about 50 bilateral agreements with other countries for no visa – South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Singapore, and Malaysia, among others. So, what happens to them?” queries Mr. Macharia.

Reflecting on Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)’s December 2023 press release, it becomes apparent that the current eTA implementation diverges from the envisioned smooth transition. Calls for clear guidelines and a traveler-friendly process seem more pertinent considering the operational challenges faced.This independent examination calls for transparent communication, a reconsideration of operational aspects, and an inclusive approach to address the concerns voiced by both the public and industry stakeholders.

In concluding this examination, the eTA’s introduction brings to light a myriad of complexities. As the government and concerned state departments work towards realizing the goals of the eTA, collaboration with relevant associations, as the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, becomes paramount. A balanced and level playing field for travelers and the industry alike should be the collective aim. Transparent communication, an inclusive approach, and a reconsideration of operational aspects will contribute to a more seamless and traveler-friendly experience.

#eTAdebate #KenyaTravel #VisaFreeKenya #TravelObservations #IndustryPerspectives

CKCEDOK and LOTPLAirlines Unveil Direct Flights to Mombasa, Kenya: A New Gateway to Africa’s Wonders.

Traveling to the heart of Africa has become easier and more convenient than ever before with CKCEDOK’s announcement of a new direct flight service to Mombasa, Kenya.

This new service, operated by LOTPLAirlines, opens up a world of possibilities for those seeking to immerse themselves in Kenya’s diverse attractions, from its sprawling wildlife reserves to its scenic coastal landscapes.

A New Gateway to Kenya’s Wonders

The new route is a direct link to Kenya’s bountiful offerings. It allows travelers to embark on thrilling safari adventures, exploring the country’s rich wildlife, and enjoy its coastal treasures, including picturesque beaches.

The opportunity to experience the diverse and vibrant Kenyan culture, its people, food, and history, adds to the allure of this new service.

Flights to Mombasa: The Details

The flights to Mombasa are scheduled every Wednesday, ensuring a regular and reliable service for both tourists and regular travelers alike. The service will be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft renowned for its efficiency and passenger comfort.

The Dreamliner is known for its spacious cabins, larger windows, and smoother ride, thereby ensuring a relaxing journey to the vibrant city of Mombasa.

Competitive Pricing and Bundled Deals

CKCEDOK is offering bundled flight and hotel deals for direct flights to Mombasa, making the journey more affordable. Prices for one-way flights start at $759 and round trip flights start at $1,229.

Additional terms apply, catering to the needs of various travelers, from the budget-conscious to those seeking a more luxurious travel experience. This move demonstrates CKCEDOK’s commitment to offering competitive pricing while ensuring a high-quality travel experience.

In conclusion, the new direct flight service to Mombasa by CKCEDOK and LOTPLAirlines offers an exciting new opportunity for travelers to explore the diverse attractions of Kenya. With its competitive pricing and the comfort of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this service promises a unique travel experience, opening up a new gateway to Kenya’s wonders.

Source: bnn breaking

Kenya’s Passport 6th Strongest In Africa.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 11 – Kenyan passport holders can travel to 76 countries globally visa-free, a new data shows, indicating its growing prominence worldwide.

The latest data compiled by the Henley Passport Index also ranks the country’s passport at number 67 globally, together with Malawi.

The Seychelles passport is the most powerful on the continent at number 26, followed by Mauritius (30), South Africa (53), Namibia, and Lesotho at 65, as well as Eswatini (66).

The strongest passports include those of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, whose citizens can travel to 194 countries globally without the need to apply for visas.

Source: Capital Fm

Kenyan Caravan operators’ source electric powertrains.

Safarilink and Yellow Wings are excited about the potential to transform regional aviation within Kenya and East Africa by demonstrating the viability and impact that electrified Caravans will have on the industry.

Safarilink, an airline connecting domestic scheduled flights to destinations within Kenya and Tanzania, and Yellow Wings Air Services, a Kenyan air operator that serves over 500 airfields throughout the East Africa region, are to upgrade their Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with Surf Air Mobility’s proprietary electrified powertrain technology, once certified.

The two companies are pioneering the adoption of technologies necessary for a greener and quieter (crucial for Kenyan wildlife) future in transportation, and the agreement also aligns with the Kenyan government’s recent announcement to completely move away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources by 2030. Both Safarilink and Yellow Wings are already focused on sustainability and wildlife conservation efforts, however the companies believe.

the move to electrified aircraft will drive sustainability even further while setting the stage for global transformation.

“We at Safarilink are committed to doing everything possible to preserve the natural beauty of the countries we operate in,” says CEO Alex Avedi. “Implementing Surf Air Mobility’s electric powertrain technology will help us reduce the noise and minimize the climate impact of our flights as we help people from all over the world to experience our region’s incredible ecosystem.”

“We strongly believe in alternative propulsion for air travel. We have always been the frontrunners in adopting new systems and innovations. Kenya, with 91 per cent carbon free power generation, is the ideal country to spearhead this movement,” adds Yellow Wings CEO Christian Strebel.

This partnership marks another milestone as Surf Air Mobility seeks to expand its global footprint. As the exclusive partner to Textron to electrify the Caravan, it is focused on building its business in regions around the world, such as Africa, that are already significant markets for that airframe and where transportation providers are quickly adopting innovative mobility solutions.

Surf Air is developing the supplemental type certification for both hybrid and fully electric variants of the Cessna Grand Caravan.

“The Caravan is an amazing aircraft on which to develop our electrified powertrain, and we believe Safarilink’s and Yellow Wings’ operations are perfectly suited to demonstrate the benefits of our technology,” says CEO Stan Little. “We believe Africa is at the cutting edge of regional air mobility. Surf Air is excited to work with innovative, pioneering companies like Safarilink and Yellow Wings.”

“Our goal is to deploy our proprietary electrification technology on a global scale, in addition to our own network,” adds Fred Reid, global head of business development. “Upgrading Safarilink’s unlocklow Wings’ Caravan fleet with our electrified powertrains unlocks new possibilities. As air travel economics change with electrification, we believe Safarilink and Yellow Wings can improve current services, launch new viable routes and reduce environmental impact.”

 Source: ATTA Travel.

Sabre and IAG expand partnership with multi-year distribution agreement including NDC content.

Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider to the global travel industry, has entered into a multi-year distribution agreement with International Airlines Group (IAG) that will expand their existing partnership and further promote modern travel retailing practices.

The agreement will allow Sabre-connected travel buyers and agencies to sell traditional EDIFACT content as well as having competitive access to NDC offers from British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling – including Additional Price Points and ancillaries – through the Sabre travel marketplace globally. This enhanced content will provide travel agencies with a wider range of options to compare and shop for, while travelers will benefit from an improved experience with more choice and transparency. Sabre and IAG’s airlines are working closely together and will communicate as NDC content is rolled out to Sabre-connected travel agencies on a carrier-by-carrier basis.

The agreement between Sabre and IAG underscores the industry’s shift towards modern travel retailing, where airlines can differentiate their offerings and provide more personalized experiences to travelers. Both Sabre and IAG are committed to advancing the NDC standard as a key component in the industry’s evolution towards modern airline retailing enabled by offers and orders.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are on a journey to A Better BA and we continue to invest across the business as part of that commitment. Not only are we improving the experience of those customers who fly with us, but also the way we work with our valued travel agent and travel buyer partners. We understand how valuable retailing is to them, and IAG’s partnership with Sabre allows us to make a wide range of attractable offers available even further across the globe.”

This agreement is another milestone in the IAG strategy to embrace digital retailing practices and offer more opportunities for customers to access NDC content. The partnership with IAG demonstrates Sabre’s continued commitment to driving value and serving the diverse interests of the global travel ecosystem.

“We are very excited about what’s ahead. The travel industry is entering a new era of personalized retailing that will bring better experiences for travelers and new revenue opportunities for airlines and travel agencies,” said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “It’s fantastic to work with a strong, forward-thinking partner like IAG that is just as committed as we are to driving the industry forward.”

Source: Sabre.

Dubai crowned the No.1 global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year.

Dubai has secured the top spot as the No.1 global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards 2024 for the third consecutive year, making it the first city to achieve this remarkable milestone in succession. The recognition comes as the city marks the first anniversary of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, underscoring the success of the visionary strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The ambitious agenda aims to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

Dubai’s top international ranking was announced by TripadvisorⓇ, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, in its Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024: Best of the Best Destinations. These back-to-back accolades for Dubai assume even more significance because the winners are exclusively chosen based on the reviews of millions of global travellers as part of Tripadvisor’s community. The awards look at the quality and quantity of Tripadvisor reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and experiences in each destination over a period of 12 months between 1 October, 2022 through 30 September 2023.

Commenting on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai’s consistent global accomplishments, especially in the economic sector, stand as a clear testament to the emirate’s progress in translating the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum into tangible successes and realising the ambitious goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the top three global economic cities within the next decade.

“Dubai has earned the prestigious title of the No.1 global destination in the 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive time, establishing the emirate as the first city worldwide to achieve such recognition. This accomplishment underscores our success and reflects the outcomes of our developmental efforts in this crucial economic sector. Our strategic goal is to prioritise visitor happiness and satisfaction, and we pledge to continue our efforts in ongoing development, supported by a strong partnership with the private sector. Committed to maintaining and surpassing these achievements, we look forward to even greater successes in the future,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Sheikh Hamdan also commended Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism for its efforts in promoting Dubai’s tourism potential and introducing a range of options to meet visitors’ aspirations. He acknowledged the city’s commitment to providing excellent services, tourism facilities, and world-class infrastructure. His Highness also expressed appreciation for all the sectors and government entities that played a crucial role in Dubai achieving this milestone.

The repeated acknowledgement of Dubai as the world’s favourite destination is a testament to the city’s vibrant and diverse offerings, supported by world-class infrastructure, exceptional service at all touchpoints, and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors. Combining homegrown talent, entrepreneurship and concepts with international investment and partnerships, Dubai’s unique proposition has seen tourism become a vital contributor to overall economic growth, accounting for over 10% of the city’s GDP.

His Excellency, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), commented: “Dubai’s unprecedented achievement of being named the No. 1 top global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards 2024 for the third successive year has only been possible thanks to the outstanding efforts of stakeholders and partners across the tourism sector, and their strong response to the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. One year into the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and with the city striving to consolidate its status as a top global destination for business and tourism, the award acknowledges the efficacy of our efforts so far, while also further raising the bar for what we can collectively achieve.

“In an increasingly competitive international tourism ecosystem, Dubai’s consistent leadership in global metrics has been built on robust, ever-evolving infrastructure, a commitment to providing best-in-class services, and effective marketing and outreach that has seen the city identify, reach and satisfy a diverse range of travellers from around the world. Supported by our stakeholders, we will continue to take an agile approach to further elevate Dubai as a destination and meet our ambitious targets.”

The top Tripadvisor award is the latest addition to a series of global accolades bestowed on Dubai, further validating the city’s appeal as a multifaceted destination. In 2023, Dubai was ranked the No.1 city in the world to relocate to, in a report by financial services provider Remitly, and was ranked the best city in the world for remote workers by property consultancy Savills in their top 20 list of the 2023 Executive Nomad Index.

Additionally, Dubai was named the world’s No. 2 city destination in Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023 and also ranked one of the top 10 cities in the Global Power City Index, in a report issued by the Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies in Japan. The UAE was also named the second safest country in the world in 2023, according to findings revealed by Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide. This recognition has further strengthened Dubai’s attractiveness as a top global liveability hub that provides a unique lifestyle, underpinned by high safety and security standards that allow travellers to visit the city with peace of mind.

His Excellency, Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “This landmark achievement embodies the incredible spirit of collaboration between Dubai’s public and private stakeholders that has led to countless memorable experiences for our guests. Global travellers in search of a safe, secure, and easily accessible destination have embraced Dubai’s diverse attractions catering to various segments, including families, thrill-seekers, business visitors, and cultural explorers. They acknowledge the city for its distinctive experiences that are exclusive to Dubai.

“We are honoured by the continued appreciation and encouragement of our international visitors, with their reviews and ratings providing ample testimony for their cherished memories that inspire others to explore the exceptional offerings of our destination. As consumer demands and trends further evolve, and aided by the feedback we receive through Tripadvisor and other digital platforms, as well as directly from tourists within the city itself, we will continue to work with our stakeholders to maintain the highest standards across city’s offerings and services, and ensure visitors have an unrivalled experience in Dubai.”

Dubai’s exceptional quality of life, initiatives facilitating easy entry, robust air connectivity, and globally acclaimed culinary scene collectively establish it as the preferred destination for visitors. Dubai’s efforts to stay at the forefront of global tourism involve constant regulatory, infrastructure, and travel initiatives that play a pivotal role in further accelerating tourism momentum. In October 2023, Dubai and Real Madrid announced a landmark global partnership in October to further elevate awareness of the city internationally in line with the D33 Agenda to position Dubai as one of the top three global cities.

According to the latest data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai welcomed 15.37 million international overnight visitors between January and November 2023, a 20% increase over the same period in 2022.

 Source:  Media Office.

South African Airways announces its return to Perth.

South African Airways (SAA) has announced the resumption of its flights to Perth, Australia.

The much-anticipated inaugural flight from Johannesburg to Perth is slated for April 28, 2024, and ticketing for the reinvigorated service commenced Monday, January 8, 2024.

SAA Strategic Plans

SAA’s CEO, Professor John Lamola, expresses his delight at this development, citing that the decision aligns with the airline’s overall strategic plans.

The goal is to elevate operations to a profitable level by leveraging SAA’s unique capabilities as a national carrier equipped with wide-body aircraft, offering South Africa a long-haul intercontinental air connectivity that stands unparalleled.

Notably, the Perth route’s revival follows the successful launch of the Sao Paulo, Brazil route on October 31, 2023, marking the second interoceanic route reopening within just six months.

The Southern hemisphere now beckons with a travel package connecting Perth to Sao Paulo through Johannesburg, creating a fascinating route for globetrotters.

Star Alliance Advantage

As a proud member of the global Star Alliance network, SAA takes pride in enhancing seamless travel into and out of Australia for customers across the 25 airlines that share membership in this esteemed alliance.

“Perth has long been a favored destination for South African and Australian travelers, with about 80% of our target market visiting family and friends,” adds Lamola.

“The recommencement of the route facilitates direct passage for both leisure and business travelers, fostering trade and cultural exchange between South Africa and Australia.”

Flight Details

Flights under the designation SA 280 depart from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 20h55.

They arrive at Perth International Airport the following day at 12h20. Return flights (SA 281) from Perth are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing at 14h40 and arriving the same day at 19h35 in Johannesburg.

Aboard the Airbus A340-300

During the launch phase, SAA will operate the Airbus A340-300, boasting a total seat capacity of 253, including 38 business class seats and 215 economy seats.

Recognized globally for its spacious, comfortable, and reliable design, the A340-300 is well-equipped to handle long-distance flights with utmost ease.

For the launch of the Perth route, SAA Voyager frequent flyers are in for a treat, as they can earn and redeem their air miles.

Members receive one SAA Voyager mile for every R1.60 spent on their air ticket purchase. Additionally, being a Star Alliance member opens avenues for Voyager members in Australia to avail the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, offering more opportunities to earn Voyager miles and attain Elite credit card status based on their spending.

Conclusion

“We are committed to growing SAA into a revered leader in the global aviation sector. Perth is but one indicator of this ambition, giving us confidence that our vision of expanding our footprint to over 20 destinations this year will be realized,” concludes Lamola.

Source: Media Office.