South African Airways Boosts Trade and Travel with New Direct Flight from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

South African Airways (SAA) launched its first direct flight between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi today, marking a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity, trade, and commerce between the mining hubs of South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Departing from OR Tambo International Airport, the A320 aircraft landed smoothly at Luano International Airport, symbolizing a new chapter in bilateral economic ties.

The flight left Johannesburg at 10:50 a.m. this morning, Monday, November 4, 2024, arriving in Lubumbashi just over three hours later. The new route, offering five weekly flights, is designed to meet the needs of both direct and connecting passengers.

As Lubumbashi hosts the headquarters of many leading DRC companies, the flight schedule facilitates convenient arrival and departure times, enabling swift transfers to key business sites and boardrooms. This connectivity also benefits trade and industry, providing seamless access to important mining destinations within the DRC and neighboring Zambia.

Says SAA interim chief executive Professor John Lamola: “As an enabler of trade and commerce in Africa, SAA connects two of Africa’s most influential economies and mining centres, bringing together industries, communities and entrepreneurs and enabling us to unlock greater prosperity, foster collaboration and generate new opportunities for trade, investment and development.”

South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) share a robust trading partnership. Between 2018 and 2022, South Africa’s exports to the DRC saw a 50% annual growth rate, reaching R26.6 billion in 2022. The majority of these exports consisted of refined petroleum and mining equipment.

In contrast, the DRC’s exports to South Africa amounted to R2.4 billion in 2022, primarily featuring refined copper, precious metal scraps, raw zinc, and other mineral resources.

Enhanced direct air links between the two countries are set to boost this trade alliance, fostering economic growth that benefits both nations and contributes to the broader African economy.

SAA’s aircraft servicing this route are equipped with substantial belly cargo capacity, ideally suited to meet the transportation demands of Africa’s mining, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

“Through this flight we are not merely adding another regional route to our itinerary list; we are also reinforcing a vision for Africa’s future: one where trade flows freely, enabled by connectivity and networking,” says Lamola.

“SAA is honoured to play a role in furthering the legacy of friendship and shared prosperity between South Africa and the DRC. We believe in the immense potential of Africa, and today we are reminded of the power that lies in our connections, our partnerships and our shared commitment to growth.”

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