News

SAA launches first non-stop flight to Beijing

2 Feb 2012

South African Airways (SAA) has launched its first direct flight between Johannesburg and Beijing, making it the only airline connecting the two cities with a non-stop service.

The thrice-weekly service, operated by an Airbus A340-600 aircraft, will depart from Johannesburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 0020, arriving in Beijing at 2050. The return leg departs the Chinese capital on the same days at 2320, arriving back in Johannesburg at 0810.

In addition to SAA’s own lounges at OR Tambo International Airport, incoming premium passengers on SAA will also be able to use Air China’s lounges at Beijing Capital International Airport.

The new flight will not only boost tourism and trade between China and South Africa, but also turn Johannesburg into a gateway to other African countries and South America.

Currently, according to Brand South Africa – the country’s international marketing arm – China is one of South Africa’s biggest trade partners and investors, with Chinese transactions in South Africa picking up pace particularly in the mining and minerals sector.

In terms of tourism, the 2010 FIFA World Cup has left a rosy hue on South Africa’s image around the world, luring not just Chinese tourists but visitors from other Asian countries. Click here to read more on Johannesburg’s growth as an attractive business and tourist destination, which appeared in Business Traveller Asia-Pacific September 2011 issue.

For more information, visit www.flysaa.com

Alisha Haridasani

Loading comments...

Search Flight

See a whole year of Reward Seat Availability on one page at SeatSpy.com

Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Be up-to-date
Magazine Subscription
To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below
Polls