30 March 2015
- Daily flights now operational between the 2 capital cities

Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi International Airport last nightwelcomed the arrival of South African Airways' (SAA) inaugural flight from Johannesburg to the UAE's capital.

The maiden flight, which was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, marks the start of SAA's operations to Abu Dhabi International Airport, with the carrier offering daily direct flights between Johannesburg and the UAE's capital.

The commencement of direct flights between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi by SAA forms part of the airline's growing network, with onward destinations through a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways substantially increasing the airlines Asian end points.

SAA's flight to Abu Dhabi, SA 278, will arrive into the capital at 20:25 hrs, with the return flight, SA 279, departing Abu Dhabi for South Africa's largest city at 02:05hrs.

The route will be served by an A330-200 aircraft with a two class configuration, catering for a capacity of 222 passengers. 

Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "We are delighted to welcome South African Airways to Abu Dhabi International Airport,which builds our connections with the continent. The addition of yet another major airline to our network of carriers reaffirms our position as a thriving global transport hub."

NicoBezuidenhout, acting Chief Executive Officer of SAA, said: "The addition of Abu Dhabi to our international route network delivers not only an important new destination for our customers, but also sees SAA increase its Asian network substantially. The codeshare agreement with Etihad, as well as the double daily frequency on the route, should generate significant volume and positive returns for both South African and UAE business and tourism travel volumes, with onward network end points increasing greater reach."

-Ends-

About Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travelers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 40 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.

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Press Office:
Elhame Bourani- Senior Manager Press Office, Abu Dhabi Airports
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Layla Haroon
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E-mail: lharoon@bell-pottinger.com

© Press Release 2015