South African Airways Now Flying Non-Stop Flights From Johannesburg to New York

Flight Reduces Travel Time By 90 Minutes

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May 02, 2011, 11:26 ET

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- South African Airways (SAA), Africa's most awarded airline, officially launched its new non-stop round-trip service between New York and South Africa on May 1st. The north-bound, non-stop flight from Johannesburg to New York complements the already popular morning non-stop New York-Johannesburg service that provides quick and convenient connections to more than 40 destinations throughout the African continent. Previously, the return flight SA203 from Johannesburg to New York made a 1-hour passenger and refueling stop in Dakar, Senegal. Effective May 1st, flight SA203 now departs Johannesburg at 8:35 p.m. for a non-stop journey to New York that arrives at 6:40 a.m. the following day. The new flight schedule saves the traveler 90 minutes of travel time, and allows even easier connections from throughout more of Africa. In addition, when travelers arrive in New York, they have even more connection choices with a number of airlines, including our code share partners United Airlines and JetBlue Airways, which can take them to points throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The enhanced connections are coupled with award-winning service in Premium Business Class, with Skytrax™ 5-star comfort-rated, 180-degree, fully-flat bed seats. In Economy Class, passengers enjoy the most legroom of any airline to Africa, with 33"-34" pitch at every seat.

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"SAA is pleased to have responded to the requests from our loyal travelers with non-stop service now operating in both directions. This new schedule provides more convenient connections to and from SAA's extensive route network in Africa," said Todd Neuman, SAA's acting executive vice president for North America. "As the airline with the most service from the U.S. to South Africa, we've enhanced the experience for our customers, and we invite new travelers to come discover the fastest, most comfortable way to more of Africa, with award-winning service, affordable fares and warm South African hospitality."

The updated schedule for SAA's daily service between New York and Johannesburg is as follows:

SA203 – Johannesburg/New York, departs Johannesburg at 8:35 p.m., arrives in New York at 6:40 a.m. the following day.
SA204 – New York/Johannesburg, departs New York at 11:15 a.m., arrives in Johannesburg at 8:40 a.m. the following day.

To book seats on SAA's flights, please call 1-800-722-9675, visit www.flysaa.com, or call your travel agent.

South African Airways features the most service to South Africa, with daily morning non-stop departures from New York JFK and afternoon direct service from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal) that offer travel convenience and award-winning service. Travelers in Premium Business Class enjoy 180° fully flat-bed seats, and in Economy Class enjoy the most legroom versus competitors. Every seat on board offers an individual on-demand entertainment system, plush pillow, warm blanket and amenity kit. SAA's unrivaled network, featuring seamless connections to nearly 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 25 cities across the rest of the continent, makes the airline the savvy traveler's "gateway to Africa." To complement this network, a world of privileges awaits those who join Voyager, South African Airways' premier mileage program. To sign up, visit www.flysaa.com, and link to the Voyager icon. As a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer its customers 1,160 destinations in 181 countries and more than 21,000 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in the U.S. through code share service with Star Alliance member United Airlines. Members of United's, US Airways' and Air Canada's frequent traveler programs are able to earn and redeem miles on all SAA flights. For more information on South African Airways, please call (800) 722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com, where travelers can sign up to be notified of other great travel deals and vacation packages. For information about South Africa, visit www.southafrica.net.