South African Airways to introduce Direct Services to Beijing, China in January 2012

For the first time in the history of the airline, SAA will introduce direct flights to Beijing, China; from January next year.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Tuesday 31 January 2012 from Johannesburg to arrive in Beijing, China; on Wednesday 1 February 2012. These flights are now available for reservations in the global distribution system (GDS) and via SAA's website flysaa.com, the airline's on-line website.

Introducing direct flights to Beijing is in line with SAA's strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world. SAA will operate the route three times a week. The route will be served by the Airbus A340-600 aircraft, which have the capacity to operate the route directly all year round with no passenger payload restrictions. Flying time between Johannesburg and Beijing takes on average 15 hours.

Direct Flights to Beijing

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world. The city is the country's political, cultural and educational centre and home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies.

Johannesburg - Beijing schedule: Flight SA288 Tuesday, Friday, Sunday Depart Johannesburg 08h00 Arrive Beijing 04h40*(Following day)

Beijing - Johannesburg schedule: Flight SA289 Monday, Wednesday, Saturday Depart Beijing 06h40* Arrive Johannesburg 15h30*(Following day)

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