South African Airways Poises To Greater Heights

-South African Airways increases its services to Sao Paulo, Brazil-

-South African Airlink acquires 30 new jets-

Travellers from Hong Kong and Asia can now have better access to Brazil with South African Airways’ (SAA) enhanced scheduling from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo, Brazil and enjoy flying to African destinations with newly acquired jets - one of the most technologically advanced fleets.

SAA is significantly increasing its services on the Johannesburg - Sao Paulo route from the current two to three flights per week, commencing on 3 July 2001. The services are scheduled for every Tuesday, Thursdays, and Sundays.

To better utilise its resources and enhance its services, SAA will temporarily suspend service on Johannesburg-Buenos Aires, Argentina route with effect from 30 June 2001. The airline has been operating two direct services per week between Johannesburg and Buenos Aires since July 1999.

The additional flights to Sao Paulo coupled with services provided by SAA’s codeshare partner Varig Airlines (which operates seven direct daily flights between Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires), SAA passengers will still be able to connect to Buenos Aires three times per week.

“SAA is actively pursuing various alternatives to better serve the market,” said Mr Phillip Bekker, Regional General Manager, North Asia, South African Airways. “With the enhanced scheduling, SAA continues to have confidence in the South American market.”

Mr Bekker stressed, “One of our missions is to transform SAA into a world-class airline, and the emphasis is placed on passenger services. SAA aims to ensure that our passengers’ travel experience is as pleasurable as possible, both internationally and domestically.”

SAA’s domestic alliance, South African Airlink (SA Airlink) has expanded its fleet of aircraft with thirty ERJ135 Regional Jets ordered from Embraer in Brazil. To date, two ER135 jets have already been delivered. It is expected that a further two jets will arrive in August this year. The new fleet will serve the Intra Africa pan region.

The new jets are capable of speeds of 833 km/h and fly at heights of 37,000 feet. The 37-seater ERJ135 jet also features leather upholstery, individual reading lights, overhead baggage compartments, personal overhead ventilation and large windows. Clear aisles, generous stand-up headroom and large windows help provide a high level of passenger comfort and enhance the soft, wide-bodied feel of the cabin. The aircraft also offers large baggage capability.

“The acquisition of new jets will benefit our customers,” said Mr Bekker. “With these jets, SAA will be able to provide customers with comfort and reliability. Customers will experience one of the most technologically advanced fleets in Africa. Some important key destinations will be enjoying heightened frequencies and quality of air travel with the new ERJ's."

He continued, "The speed and endurance of this aircraft facilitates the inclusion of some of the further afield smaller community centres into the ‘South African’ network and specifically into contact with the natural major hubs of the sub-region and via those, the rest of the world."

The new fleet will commence service in South African Airlink's new Intra Africa pan regional transportation system project, which is being launched simultaneously with the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, an OAU protocol recently brought into effect to liberalise air transportation in Africa. The first of the new destinations will be Ndola and Livingstone in Zambia, followed by Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.

Mr Bekker added, “The new jets and enhanced schedules on certain international and domestic routes provides our customers with a relaxed, pleasant, and trouble-free travel experience. This new development also takes SAA one step closer to completing their strategic development programme, Strategy for Winning, which aims to make SAA the best airline in the world.”