Mumbai, June
14:
On the back of
a surge in the inbound tourist figures from India, South African Airways, the
national carrier of South Africa, is looking to expand its base in India. In
2011, South Africa saw a 26.2 per cent increase in Indian visitors from the
previous year, with 90,367 Indians travelling to the country.
The upward
trend continued in 2012. South Africa received 6,805 visitors in the month of
February this year, up 24.9 per cent compared with 5,449 visitors in February
2011.
The country's
overall growth in 2011 was largely due to a 14.6 per cent growth in the
emerging markets of Asia.
“South African
Airways has witnessed a steady performance, with growth in leisure tourism and
MICE tourism.
“Recent
economic developments are likely to have a positive impact on the business
relationships between India and South Africa, and we foresee a growth in
traffic between the two countries,” said Mr Sajid Khan, Country Manager –
India, South African Airways.
To meet the
growing demand, South African Airways will be increasing its flight frequencies
on the Johannesburg-Mumbai sector.
An additional
flight that will operate on Sundays will be introduced in the route from June
16.
The airline
currently operates four flights a week in the sector.
Earlier, Jet
Airways was the only domestic carrier connecting Mumbai with Johannesburg,
apart from the code-share arrangement that Air India has with the South African
Airways.
Jet Airways
has, however, temporarily suspended its Mumbai-Johannesburg flights from June
11.
South African
Airways will fly Airbus A330-200 on the India-South Africa sector, offering 186
economy and 36 business class seats.
The airline
said that a total of six flights a week will be started from August 21 due to a
stronger demand on this route.
“The sixth
frequency in the route that is scheduled to commence in August is awaiting
government approval,” Mr Khan added.
The added
frequency will help Indians flying to South America, as flying via Johannesburg
is the shortest route to the continent.
The airline
flies thrice each to Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article3528252.ece
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