Qantas’ new flight from Perth to Johannesburg is expected to significantly boost inbound arrivals from the rapidly growing Australasian market and take pressure off the Sydney-Johannesburg flight, which has experienced passenger growth of 48% over the past year.
The thrice-weekly flight, which made its first touchdown in Johannesburg on Sunday, December 7, adds over 150 000 seats annually between the two cities.
“We’ve really been advocating for this particular service for some time, particularly considering the really high demand on our Sydney flights, which have carried over 340 000 customers since the start of 2024 and have enjoyed 48% passenger growth over the past 12 months,” said Darsh Chapman, Qantas’ Regional GM for UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“From a business, tourism and VFR perspective, flying into Western Australia has its own large market and high demand. We’re seeing that in the numbers coming through: the inbound and outbound services that we kicked off on Sunday were nearly full,” said Chapman at the route launch celebration in Johannesburg on Monday, December 8.
Data from the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics census shows there are almost 45 000 people living in Western Australia who were born in South Africa – reinforcing demand for direct connectivity.
“I’m expecting strong interest, particularly in the short term. Competition on this route is going to be immediately attractive for the large expat community in Perth,” Samantha van Eldik, Africa and Middle East Product Manager at Australian wholesaler Adventure World Travel, told Tourism Update.
“In addition, it really helps our Australian clients in Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth – especially in the daylight-saving months when the Perth routing becomes more practical without going via Sydney,” Van Eldik pointed out.
The new route will advance opportunities for travel into the broader Southern and East African regions, she added.
“Long-term, this will settle into a solid leisure route. Southern Africa continues to see strong growth and Johannesburg is a key gateway into East Africa. The codeshare options really help with onward travel and the arrival time works well for an overnight in Johannesburg before leisure guests connect onward.”
Further fuel for surging arrivals
The extra capacity is expected to add further impetus to the impressive growth of the Australasian market post-COVID. Arrivals in South Africa between January and October this year totalled 118 518 – year-on-year growth of 25.8% and more than 14% above the comparative 2019 figure.
“The additional capacity and additional competition should make airfares more affordable and continue to position us as a destination of value. It’s important that we continue working on demand generation to keep this route profitable and sustainable,” said SA Tourism Acting CEO Darryl Erasmus.
He said market demand is fuelled by initiatives such as SA Tourism’s annual Mega Lekker Escape, which hosts wholesalers from Australia and New Zealand on various itineraries throughout South Africa.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille highlighted the importance of the route in growing business events traffic.
“As we prepare for Meetings Africa in February and Africa’s Travel Indaba in May, this route creates an easier, faster and more attractive pathway for delegates, exhibitors and buyers across Australia and New Zealand.”
Cape Town on the cards?
Qantas has also begun discussions with Wesgro about the possibility of a direct connection to Cape Town, Chapman confirmed.
“I met with them a couple of weeks ago about the opportunities in Cape Town. There is real demand for Australians coming into Cape Town and vice versa. It’s very exciting.”
Erasmus added: “Finally introducing Qantas to Cape Town will add to the number of available seats and be hugely positive for tourism.”
