SAA expands its African route network
SAA will launch new operations to Bujumbura (Burundi), Kigali (Rwanda) and Cotonou (Benin), from 31 October this year. SAA’s growth strategy aims at strengthening already profitable routes and introducing new destinations to especially those African destinations with limited air services. “Simultaneously adding three new destinations to our African route network will strengthen our already expansive route network. SAA aims to increase travel options for the convenience of its customers and to ensure that South Africa remains both a major destination in its own right and a key transit point for connecting long-haul international and regional African destinations,” says Theunis Potgieter, SAA General Manager Commercial.SAA aims to provide greater connectivity between cities where the convenience of air travel was limited. The cities connected by SAA will assist in enhancing business travel, further nurturing these already growing economies. Bujumbura is Burundi’s capital and largest city. It is close to the country’s main port, shipping coffee as its primary export. In addition to being the capital city of the Rwanda, Kigali is also its economic, cultural and transport hub. Cotonou is the economic capital of Benin, and its most populated city. Bujumbura and Kigali will be serviced thrice weekly while Cotonou will operate twice weekly as an extension of SAA’s existing Libreville (Gabon) service. The new routes will be serviced by SAA’s A319 aircraft. In enhancing its partnership with regional carrier SA Express, SAA will withdraw from the Johannesburg Gaborone route effective 7 August 2011. SA Express also operates between Johannesburg and Gaborone and will increase its frequency with a smaller gauge aircraft. SAA will continue to serve 20 African destinations across the continent.
Other improvements SAA made to its route network earlier in the year include increased frequencies to Entebbe, Uganda from March (from six to daily flights) with the introduction of a new Tuesday service. An additional flight to Harare, Zimbabwe, operating on Tuesdays, was added, bringing the total number of frequencies to 18 per week. Larger aircraft are now also operating on certain flights to Nairobi (Kenya) and Windhoek (Namibia).
This article was originally posted on Africa Travel - Tourism
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