Travel News South Africa

LATAM expands connectivity with first direct flight to Africa

Connecting Latin America to Africa, LATAM Airlines Group (LATAM) has published its first flight, coinciding with the launch of the brand LATAM Airlines.
LATAM expands connectivity with first direct flight to Africa

Ticket sales opened for flights between Johannesburg/O.R. International Airport and São Paulo/Guarulhos, which will start from 3 October 2016 and with connections to 115 destinations in Latin America. The airline will operate a Boeing 767 aircraft with 191 seats in Economy Class and 30 in Premium Business on the new international route.

Martin Modarelli, commercial director UK, Nordic Countries and Africa for LATAM Airlines said, “We always want to fly people further by expanding the connectivity that we offer. In this important move for the group, we will become the only Latin American carrier with regular flights between our region and the African continent.”

During October, flight JJ8162 will initially take off from São Paulo at 11.55 pm (local time) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to land in Johannesburg at 2.10 pm (local time). The return flight JJ8163 will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays when the aircraft will take off from O.R. Tambo International Airport at 11.10 pm (local time) to land at the destination at 4.45 pm (local time).

From November 2016, flight JJ8162 will take off from São Paulo at 11.55 pm (local time) on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to land in Johannesburg at 2.10 pm (local time). The return flight JJ8163 will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays when the aircraft will take off at 10.10 pm (local time) to land at the destination at 4.45 pm (local time).

Roberto Alvo, International and Alliances LATAM Airlines Group senior vice president said, "After the Americas, Europe and Oceania, Africa will become the fourth continent with regular flights operated by LATAM Airlines Group. We have worked hard in recent months to obtain all approvals to operate this flight and will continue working to deliver a high-excellence and high potential connection for all passengers intending to travel between South Africa and Latin America, where the group offers an unparalleled network of destinations.”

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