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.