Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
05 May 2024 | 17:57 SAST
1-minute read

Image: Flight Global

After a four-year absence, the relaunch of the route marks a significant moment for the airline, symbolising its recovery post-Covid.

On Sunday, April 28^th, O.R. Tambo International Airport buzzed as South African Airways celebrated the inaugural flight between Johannesburg and Perth.

The Perth route becomes the second intra-oceanic route to be reopened within six months, following the successful launch of the Sao Paulo-Brazil route on October 31, 2023.

SAA spokesperson Khaya Buthelezi told Radio Islam International that these strategic relaunches hold special significance for strengthening the airline’s position as an intercontinental bridge.

“The entire southern hemisphere is being connected via South African airways. If you look at the fact that the Sao Paulo route flies from both Johannesburg as well as Cape Town, linking Africa to South America. And then now that is also being extended to the rest of the Australasian continent,” Buthelezi said.

It is a step towards realising SAA’s vision to bring the world to Africa and take Africa to the world, Buthelezi said.

Additionally, the relaunch holds special significance for both personal and economic ties between the two countries.

With over 80 000 South Africans residing in Perth and nearly 400 000 across Australia, the resumption of direct flights between Johannesburg and Perth is met with enthusiasm from families and businesses alike.

With flights that leave Johannesburg in the evening to arrive in Perth at midday, the route offers increased convenience for travellers who previously endured lengthy layovers and high costs when connecting through other hubs.

The route is expected to contribute substantially to the airline’s overall recovery as well as strengthening bilateral ties between South Africa and Australia.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie here.