Mumbai, June 14 (IANS) South African Airways, country's national carrier, has announced an addition to its current Johannesburg-Mumbai frequency starting Saturday, offering a five-days-a-week service. Due to an even stronger demand on this route, a further frequency will be added, with South African Airways offering a total of six flights per week come August 21, the airline said Thursday.
"This development is a positive indicator of South African Airways' focus on the Indian travel segment that has witnessed substantial growth," it said in a statement.
South African Airways will fly the Airbus A330-200 on the India-South Africa sector, offering 186 economy and 36 business class seats.
"As it increases its frequency to cater to the growing Indian market, South African Airways will become the exclusive carrier flying direct from Mumbai to Johannesburg," the statement said.
With SAA's ten flights a week from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo and three flights a week to Buenos Aires, the airline provides the shortest travel time between India and South America. The flying time from Mumbai to Buenos Aires is 22 hours and 35 minutes, the only carrier with this short flying time.
"Over the decades, South African Airways has evolved into one of the leading carriers in Africa, offering the biggest route network in the continent. With South Africa witnessing an upsurge of Indian tourists, the airline has revised their frequency to meet the growing demand, offering a truly South African experience to the Indian customer," the statement said.
In 2011, South Africa saw a 26.2 percent increase in Indian visitors from the previous year, with 90,367 Indians travelling to the country. "The Johannesburg-Mumbai route is vital in strengthening the airline's international route network, effectively supporting the country's thriving tourism and business markets," the statement said.
Sajid Khan, Country Manager - India, South African Airways said: "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. India presents an important market to South African Airways, and this increase in flight frequency is a step in the right direction to meet market expectations".
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