South African Airways Returns to Perth With Johannesburg Service

Perth Airport has welcomed South African Airways (SAA) back to Perth with the recommencement of the airline's popular service between Johannesburg and Perth.

The A340-300 aircraft touched down just after 12.30pm today.

The following comments are attributed to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti:
"This inaugural non-stop service operated by South African Airways represents a significant milestone in our state's aviation recovery, providing direct connections for the substantial South African community residing in Western Australia.

"We're really excited this service between Johannesburg and Perth has been reinstated, which brings massive advantages for our state's tourism industry and of course, marks the 19th international destination we have secured direct links to since the pandemic.

“The resumption of this flight is welcome news for South African expats and their visiting friends and relatives, as well as for those travelling to WA for major events such as the Springbok fans, who now have a direct connection ahead of the Rupby Championship match in Aupust at Optus Stadium.”

The following comments are attributed to Perth Airport's CEO Jason Waters: “It was great to see South African Airways back after a four-year break.

“Perth Airport has had remarkable partnership with SAA, which has spanned ó7 years, and we are incredibly pleased to have them flying to and from our port again.

“The service will initially operate three times per week, delivering 78,936 seats to the Perth market, and we look forward to working closely with South African Airways to return this to a daily service.

“There are a high number of South African ex-pats living in Perth and across WA, so the airline's return is great news for those with family connections in South Africa as well as those looking to explore all that South Africa has to offer.”

The following comments are attributed South African Airway's CEO, Professor John Lamola:
“We are excited to be back on these beautiful Perth shores, especially after stepping off the inaugural South African Airways' direct flight between Johannesburg and Perth — marking a significant milestone in our recovery journey since we returned to the skies about three years ago. I can confirm that it was a pleasant and comfortable 10-hour flight and also the shortest route between Johannesburg and Perth.

“Perth is our second intercontinental route to be relaunched after Sao Paulo, it signals the strategic importance to our growth and expansion plans. Additionally, Perth holds a special place in the hearts of many South Africans with strong family and business ties in the city and we are excited to make our contributions to the rekinding and strengthening of these ties.

"The launch of this route also means SAA now offers the most direct route acoss the Southern Hemisphere, from São Paulo to Perth and back through Johannesburg. This opens-up South Africa and Australia to tourists and business travellers from Latin America, boosting the regional economies and growing the brands of both countries. We look forward to long and enduring relationship with the people of Perth."

South African Airways operates the PER-JNB service on an A340-300 which has a total of 253 seats configured with 38 Business Class seats and 215 Economy Class seats.