Photo by Maurice Fitzgerald
A model of a South African Airways aircraft.

SAA has made it possible for travelers to make a direct trip from Washington, D.C. to South Africa, with minimal stops in between. Since July 2nd, SAA passengers have been fortunate to board plains at Washington Dulles International Airport and fly directly to South Africa’s Johannesburg International Airport and vice versa.

As various persons mingled in the lobby, Her Excellency Barabara Masekela, South African Ambassador to the U.S., took to the stage and welcomed the attending government and business leaders to the momentous occasion by saying that “the South African Embassy has a new address and that address is South African Airways.” Maseleka has high hopes for the airlines’ latest venture saying that it was a sign that South Africa is building instead of protesting.

 

Photo by Maurice Fitzgerald
Joining South African Ambassador Barbara Masekela (2nd from left) is (l-r) James Bennett of Washington Airport Authority; Dr. Khaya Ngqula, CEO of South African Airlines; and Philip Bekker, regional manager for North America South African Airlines, at the ribbon cutting ceremony recently held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Launch reception attendees were treated to and evening of great music and fine cuisine, as the Grammy award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, arriving directly from South Africa, performed while attendees dined on a variety of South African dishes.

SAA’s Chief Executive Officer and President Khaya Ngqula greeted the audience by saying “Welcome aboard!” Ngqula, who followed the ambassador in remarks, added that this was a part of SAA’s goal to be one of the top 5 airlines in the world. SAA has provided quality service in the airline industry for over 70 years.

The addition of the Washington Dulles route will increase South African Airways’ flight frequency from the U.S. to South Africa to a total of 18 flights a week. Under the airline’s new plan of operation, service from Johannesburg to Washington will operate four days a week. “We are assured of a future if you continue to fly South African Airways,” Ngqula added.

Washington becomes the third U.S. city to offer the airfare service as New York and Atlanta also provide the flight option. Flights to South Africa leave from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

During her opening address, Her Excellency quipped that the new route would eliminate the additional hassle of traveling through a connecting continent, which she neglected to name. The new flight route makes it so that flyers won’t have to make long overhauls at various stops in Europe. Instead, flights will only make brief stops in Accra, Ghana for fuel checks. SAA hopes that the shortened trips will make the flights more enjoyable for airline customers.

Both Maseleka and Ngqula emphasized the role that transportation has played in impeding African progress in that people can’t get to cities quickly. They also felt that the ceremony finally signified a move in the right direction to end the persistent problem.

“We are here, here to stay, to grow, and here to service you,” said Ngqula. “We want to give the type of service you want from a good airline.” Those in attendance commented that relations between the U.S. and South Africa had been “irreversibly strengthened” as a result of the historic business venture.

SAA Marketing Director Nonhlanhla Koza mentioned that the airline has been looking to increase their market in the U.S. and provide alternative entrances to the states. She alluded to the airline’s possible west coast expansion. Currently, all routes to and from South Africa are located on the eastern coast of the U.S.

Washington residents seeking to travel to South Africa will be able to do so on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Return flights from South Africa will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.