Airlines

SAT, United Celebrate New Cape Town Service

South African Tourism (SAT) in partnership with United Airlines recently celebrated the new direct service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.

United will be the only carrier to serve the route from United States and began operating nonstop three-times weekly flights to Cape Town on Dec. 15.

To mark the inauguration of flights, a celebration was held at Newark Liberty International Airport and it featured traditional South African dancers from Bongi Duma Productions, along with hors d’oeuvres, wine and music. Special guests in attendance included Hon. Yoliswa Rose Mvebe, acting ambassador of South Africa, Jill Kaplan, president of New Jersey/New York for United Airlines and Mildred Crump, president, Newark City Council.

Jerry Mpufane, president of South African Tourism, North America, said: “We are thrilled that our North American travellers now have direct access to Cape Town from the New York/New Jersey area. This new service creates a more seamless travel experience and allows more people to experience the distinct splendour, bold spirit and astonishing diversity of the destination from its people and culture to our natural beauty and multitude of activities.”

The nonstop service reduces current travel time from New York/New Jersey to Cape Town by more than four hours and provides customers from more than 80 U.S. cities with easy one-stop access to Cape Town.

The United flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.

Go to www.southafrica.net for more.

In the photos

L to R: Jill Kaplan, president of NY/NJ United, Patrick Quayle, VP of International Network United, South African acting ambassador, Mvebe and Justin Barnette, head of marketing and communications South African Tourism join the crew for the ribbon cutting ceremony

Yoliswa Rose Mvebe, acting ambassador of South Africa with United Airlines crew and traditional South African dancers at Newark Liberty International Airport