Emirates has today September 8, announced it will bolster its operations to South Africa with a scheduled 28 weekly service by October.
The ramp up will see Emirates introduce double daily flights to Johannesburg with its iconic A380 on one of the daily flights, with both Cape Town and Durban operating daily, effective 31 October 2021.
The airline confirmed through a statement that it aims to bring more competitive choices for customers wishing to visit Dubai, and through Dubai to the airline’s network of over 120 global destinations.
This Comes just a week after the Gulf carrier’s regional manager Afzal Parambil explained that the suspension of the Airline’s operations has given it a chance to re-strategize and reconsider its operations in South Africa.
Parambil also highlighted that Cargo played a pivotal role to Emirates and its operations to South Africa especially during this unprecedented time.
The Emirates A380 experience is still preferred by travellers due to its products and comfort. The airline will continue to gradually expand the use of this aircraft in line with the growing demand
From 1 January 2022, Emirates will serve Johannesburg with double daily A380 services.
Emirates’ flight schedule expansion comes in response to a surge in customer demand to Dubai as tourist visas have opened up for all nationalities.
In addition to the easing of restrictions across some destinations that now allow quarantine-free entry for South Africans, Emirates says it is firmly committed to supporting the recovery of South Africa’s tourism industry through facilitating enhanced connectivity for international visitors into the country.
Covid PCR Test
Emirates also confirmed that negative certification of the COVID-19 examination is a mandatory with a QR code taken within 48 hours and collected at an approved health facilities.
Passengers arriving in Dubai will be required to take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International airport. This coverage applies to all passengers transiting in Dubai who must complete all the requirements of their final destination.
Emirates, SAA Partnership
Moreover, with South African Airways (SAA) resuming operations on 23rd September, Emirates is set to revive its strategic partnership and cooperation with South Africa’s flag carrier.
Emirates, SAA partnership dates back to 1997, and is Emirates’ first ever codeshare agreement with another carrier.
Prior to the pandemic, the partnership developed to include a complementary joint network of 110 destinations, optimised schedules offering greater connectivity for customers, as well as baggage transfers and enhanced reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
Since the start of their strategic cooperation, close to 370,000 passengers have benefitted from the Emirates and SAA partnership.
With the revival of the SAA partnership, Emirates will be strengthening its footprint across South and southern Africa with four interline and codeshare partnerships, including the recently announced interline agreement with Airlink, Cemair and FlySafair, adding its route map with 79 additional codeshare and interline cities.
By Victor Shalton Odhiambo
