SOUTH African Airways is hoping to have at least four daily flights between South America and Johannesburg by 2011 if media reports are to be believed.
SAA South America manager Nelson de Oliveira was recently quoted saying that from June 2, 2010, an additional four flights a week are expected for the São Paulo-Johannesburg route. “Our goal is to have two daily flights from São Paulo, one daily from Buenos Aires and another daily from Rio de Janeiro.”
The increased access to South America could be in response to expected demand from that market for the 2010 World Cup.
SAA ceo Chris Smyth told a parliamentary briefing this month that SAA was looking at adding flights to Rio de Janeiro, as well as Mexico City, Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and Manchester based on demand for the event.
He added that the airline had signed a deal with Match to provide SAA with 20 aircraft and crew over the period. SAA will also assess demand to determine the need for direct flights to Cape Town or Durban after December 4.
South African Airways currently serves the South American market with daily flights to São Paulo, Brazil and to Buenos Aires, Argentina three times per week.
Said SAA head of Group Corporate Affaris Robyn Chalmers: “SAA will adapt its schedule going forward as demand dictates.”
