South African Airways (SAA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing intra-African trade and business travel by announcing the launch of five weekly flights between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi. This new route will connect OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, with Lubumbashi International Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The service, set to begin on Monday, 4 November 2024, is expected to significantly boost business travel, trade, and cargo movement between the two mining powerhouse cities.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 10:50 AM, arriving in Lubumbashi at 1:20 PM. The return flight from Lubumbashi will take off at 2:10 PM, South Africa Standard Time (SAST), and land in Johannesburg a little over three hours later. This schedule will be maintained five times a week, operating from Monday to Friday, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers flying between the two cities.

The introduction of this route is designed to cater to both point-to-point passengers, who travel directly between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi, as well as connecting passengers, who may be traveling to other destinations. SAA’s schedule is optimized to provide flexibility and convenience, making it an attractive option for business travelers and those with connections to other African cities.

Meeting Market Demand for Direct Air Connectivity

The decision to establish this flight service comes in response to the growing demand for direct air connectivity between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC, is an important industrial and mining hub. Many of the DRC’s largest companies, particularly in the mining and natural resources sectors, have their headquarters in Lubumbashi.

Similarly, Johannesburg is a key financial and business center in South Africa and the African continent as a whole. As two cities that serve as economic powerhouses, there is a high demand for frequent, reliable travel between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi. The timing of SAA’s new flight schedule also accommodates business travelers, with departure and arrival times that are convenient for ground transfers to customer offices and industrial sites.

“There is strong market demand, both in South Africa and the DRC, for direct air connectivity between the two nations. Demand is driven by business, trade and the fact that Johannesburg and Lubumbashi are mining powerhouse cities of the continent,” says SAA Interim Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola.

“Providing this service entrenches SAA’s status as an enabler of intra-African trade, connectivity and Africa’s economic growth and development. It also, as a response to market demand, serves the determination of this airline to move decisively towards profitable sustainability,” he says.

Supporting Intra-African Trade and Economic Growth

The new route reflects SAA’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic growth by enhancing air connectivity between major cities across the continent. By providing regular and reliable flights, SAA is positioning itself as an enabler of intra-African trade. This route is expected to facilitate better business relations between South African and Congolese companies, especially in sectors such as mining, construction, and trade.

Professor Lamola highlighted SAA’s strategic role in promoting economic development in Africa, saying, “Providing this service entrenches SAA’s status as an enabler of intra-African trade, connectivity, and Africa’s economic growth and development.”

By offering direct flights between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi, SAA is also making a critical contribution to the movement of goods and services between these two countries. This route will help drive economic opportunities not only in South Africa and the DRC but also in neighboring countries like Zambia, which is also a key player in Africa’s mining industry.

Optimized Cargo Capacity for Trade and Business Needs

In addition to serving passenger traffic, South African Airways is also offering enhanced cargo capacity on the Johannesburg-Lubumbashi route. The cargo capabilities of this service are expected to meet the needs of traders and businesses that require the transportation of goods between the two cities.

The mining industry, in particular, relies heavily on the movement of materials and machinery, and SAA’s cargo services are well-equipped to handle these requirements. The airline’s ability to transport goods efficiently between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi will further support trade and investment between the two countries, contributing to regional economic development.

Convenient Scheduling for Seamless Travel

One of the advantages of the new Johannesburg-Lubumbashi service is that there is no time difference between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which makes travel between the two countries even more convenient. This eliminates the need for passengers to adjust to different time zones, ensuring smoother transitions for business travelers.

The departure and arrival times have been carefully selected to accommodate the needs of business professionals. Passengers traveling from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi can easily access their destinations in the city with minimal disruption to their schedules, while those returning to Johannesburg can arrive back in South Africa with enough time to continue their workday or make onward connections.

The flight schedule’s consistency from Monday to Friday also provides passengers with the flexibility to plan their travel according to their business needs. Whether it’s attending meetings, visiting industrial sites, or managing trade deals, passengers will benefit from reliable air travel that aligns with their professional commitments.

Strategic Importance of Johannesburg and Lubumbashi

Johannesburg and Lubumbashi hold significant economic importance within their respective countries and across Africa. Johannesburg, as South Africa’s largest city, is a hub for business, finance, and trade. It is home to several multinational corporations, and its OR Tambo International Airport serves as one of Africa’s busiest airports, connecting passengers to destinations worldwide.

Lubumbashi, on the other hand, is the mining capital of the DRC, and its economy is heavily reliant on the extraction and export of minerals. The city is a key player in Africa’s mining industry, making it a crucial destination for business travelers in sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure development.

The launch of SAA’s new flights between these two cities will strengthen their connection and support the continued growth of the mining and industrial sectors in both countries.

Strengthening SAA’s Role in African Aviation

The introduction of the Johannesburg-Lubumbashi route is part of South African Airways’ broader strategy to enhance its role in African aviation. As one of the continent’s leading airlines, SAA is focused on increasing its presence in key African markets, expanding its route network, and providing reliable, high-quality services to passengers.

Professor Lamola emphasized SAA’s commitment to sustainability and profitability, stating, “This service is not only a response to market demand but also serves the determination of this airline to move decisively towards profitable sustainability.”

By aligning its services with market demand, SAA aims to become a leading airline in Africa, offering competitive air travel solutions that meet the needs of passengers and businesses alike. The airline’s focus on intra-African connectivity is aligned with the broader vision of fostering economic integration and development across the continent.

South African Airways’ decision to launch five weekly flights between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi marks a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This new route will enhance business travel, boost trade, and provide much-needed cargo capacity for the mining and industrial sectors. With its commitment to facilitating intra-African trade and economic growth, SAA continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the continent’s major economic centers. As demand for direct flights between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi grows, this new service promises to be a key driver of economic development and regional cooperation in the years to come.