In furtherance of its efforts at growing its
footprints within the African continent and also ensuring that its growing
passenger base are spoilt for choice while travelling between Lagos and
Johannesburg, South African Airways is set to increase its frequency on the
axis from seven to eight services per week.
The addition, the company says it is a response to an increasing
demand from passengers for its services and also in line with its mandate to
draw the footprint of integrating Africans within the continent with ease.
The service which debuts on September 2nd, 2014, is expected to
avail both business and leisure passengers travelling to and from these
destinations more flexibility with passengers from South Africa having more
time to engage in activities before flying out at 23h00 on Tuesday nights.
Speaking to journalists recently in Lagos on the new frequency,
Aaron Munetsi, regional general manager for Africa & Middle East, South Africa
Airways, explained that the carrier remains committed to delivering nothing but
world class services to all its clients in Nigeria.
This, he said, has also informed the carrier’s decision to
introduce the new Airbus A-320 on the route. Though the new Airbus is not
allowed into Lagos, Munetsi explained that for passengers willing to
savour the experience of the new aircraft, they can easily join the plane at
Cotonu, Benin Republic to Johannesburg.
Muntesi also revealed that the carrier is considering extending
its services to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as it still has two of
its 10 frequencies yet to be utilised.
“As a result of the demand from the Abuja axis, there are chances
that in the near future we would be flying from Johannesburg to Lagos and
consequently Abuja,” he said.
Thobi Duma, country manager, South Africa Airways in Nigeria,
explained that the carrier stands ready to offer seamless customer service to
all its valued passengers.
Owing to the increased frequencies, passengers connecting from
Lagos to other cities such as Abuja will be able to connect without challenges
as opposed to the current schedule where they spend the night in Lagos before
connecting, the firm also explained.
“This is part of South Africa Airways’ “Gaining Altitude” strategy
to add flights in developing routes like Lagos and offering passengers
convenient connections to the rest of the world. SAA will continue to look at
new opportunities to add capacity to its existing network and further
strengthen its brand presence around the world,” Duma enthused. According
to her, the carrier remains committed to being a catalyst for the growth of
business and investment in Nigeria by ensuring that passengers receive the
comfort of flying.
SOURCE: BUSINESSDAYONLINE
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