The post-pandemic era is seeing airlines open plenty of new routes and resuming some old favorites, such as South African Airways announcing the return of flights between Johannesburg and Perth, Western Australia. Today, Perth Airport announced the route will recommence on April 28, 2024, with bookings now open.
The return of a long-standing partner
The resumption has also been announced by South African Airways, which marks the second interoceanic route to be reopened within six months of the successful launch of the São Paulo, Brazil route on October 31, 2023. This link provides Australians an alternative Southern Hemisphere travel itinerary from Perth to Sao Paulo through Johannesburg with South African Airways (SAA).
SAA CEO Professor John Lamola said the Perth route aligns with the airline’s strategic plans to scale its operations to a profitable level by leveraging its widebody aircraft, status as a national carrier and ability to provide long-haul intercontinental air connectivity. He added:
“Perth has long been a favoured destination for South African and Australian travellers, with approximately 80% of SAA’s target market being visiting family and friends. The recommencement of the route provides an easier and direct passage for both leisure and business travellers, promoting trade and cultural exchange between South Africa and Australia.”
Initially, the service from Johannesburg, SA280, will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, departing OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) at 20:55 and arriving at Perth Airport (PER) at 12:20 the following day. The return leaves Perth on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 14:40 and arrives in Johannesburg at 19:35.
The airline lists the Airbus A340-300 as the aircraft to operate the route, configured in a two-class layout of 253 seats, including 38 in business class and 215 in the economy cabin. Fleet data from ch-aviation shows that SAA has a fleet of 13 aircraft, including four wet-leased 737s from SunExpress. The balance of the fleet includes six Airbus A320-200s, two A330-300s, and the solitary A340-300, registration ZS-SXF and MSN 651, which was delivered to SAA in March 2005.
SAA is a member of the Star Alliance, and the airline said it could further enhance the seamless travel into and out of Australia for customers of the 25 airlines that are co-members of the alliance. Lamola also said the airline team is committed to growing SAA into a revered leader in the global aviation sector, with the vision to expand its footprint to more than 20 destinations this year.
A juicy catch for Perth Airport
Located in the capital of Western Australia, Perth Airport is also the launchpad for Qantas nonstop flights to London Heathrow (LHR), generally seen as the precursor to the Project Sunrise routes due to start in 2025. The airport’s leadership is excited about seeing the SAA aircraft back on its aprons after a three-year break due to the pandemic.
Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove has already said that once the flights resume, the airport will work closely with SAA to rebuild back to daily flights. She added:
“The return of South African Airways to Perth Airport is a testament to the airline’s resilient efforts and our continued partnership over 60 years. It remains our key focus to ensure we grow international aviation into Perth and Western Australia.”
Source: https://simpleflying.com/south-african-airways-perth/
