South African Airways springs back to Perth

South African Airways is once again jetting across the Indian Ocean following the restart of non-stop Perth to Johannesburg flights, reconnecting ties and bringing an end to a four year absence for the Star Alliance member. 

Now flying three times a week, the 11-hour overnight jump relies on a long-range Airbus A340 jet with 38 lie-flat business class seats in a 2-2-2 layout, and 215 seats in economy.

This makes South African Airways the only carrier flying the Airbus A340 in Australia. 

• SA280 departs Johannesburg at 8:55pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, arriving into Perth the following day at 12:20pm
• SA281 see wheels up from Perth at 11:50pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, touching down in Jo’burg at 4:45am the following day

That early morning arrival time is good news for travellers, meaning they can hit the ground running in Johannesburg or continue further into South Africa – perhaps to Cape Town, the winelands or a luxury safari lodge – that same day. 

South African Airways is the only carrier flying the Airbus A340 into Australia.

South African Airways CEO Professor John Lamola says Perth “signals the strategic importance to our growth and expansion plans” as the second intercontinental route relaunched, after São Paulo.

“Additionally, Perth holds a special place in the hearts of many South Africans with strong family and business ties in the city and we are excited to make our contribution to the rekindling and strengthening of these ties,” Lamola elaborates.

“The relaunch of this route also means SSAA now offers the most direct route across the Southern Hemisphere, from São Paulo to Perth and back through Johannesburg” which in turn opens South Africa and Western Australia to travellers from Latin America.

Business class flatbeds in a 2-2-2 layout on board SAA's Airbus A340.

Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters confirms the west coast hub is working with the carrier on a goal of rebuilding back to a daily service.

Executive Traveller understands South African Airways also plans to restart flights to London and Frankfurt soon after as more newly-leased long-range jets arrive, alongside a possible Airbus A350. 

The airline also hopes to re-engage Perth-based members of its SAA Voyager frequent flyer program, especially as Voyager members can now earn Voyager Miles and Gold status through the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card. 

Business class flatbeds in a 2-2-2 layout on board SAA's Airbus A340.

Prior to the departure of SAA’s Perth-Johannesburg flights, business class passengers plus those holding Star Alliance Gold status will have access to the Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines lounges, depending on the flight schedule.

Additional reporting by Chris Ashton.