South African Airways to begin flight operations into Abuja

South African Airways (SAA) has introduced a second entry point to Nigeria (Abuja), in its quest to enable trade and unlock mobility, which will considerably add to business travel options in the West African sub region. SAA currently operates daily flights into Lagos.

The addition of Abuja to its network follows closely on the successful introduction of the Accra, Ghana to Washington Dulles, USA route, as a West African platform in August 2015.

SAA launched flights between Accra, Ghana and Washington DC in North America, in cooperation with Africa World Airways.

Adding a second gateway in Nigeria to SAA’s existing daily service to Lagos materially strengthens its position in West Africa where it plays a significant role in enabling the movement of goods and people between Southern Africa and West Africa, thereby enhancing the growing trade and cultural exchanges between these two regions.

The introduction of the Accra to Washington route has seen a steady growth in the number of passengers using this route and has performed in line with expectations.

This has provided SAA the confidence to invest further and enhance its footprint in West Africa.

“A second entry point in Nigeria forms part of our Long-Term Turnaround Strategy, which identified growth on the African continent as one of its key objectives. Nigeria is one of the fastest growing air travel markets in sub-Saharan Africa and will be well served with our additional services to Abuja.

“Introducing Abuja as a second entry point in Nigeria will add more travel options, especially for the business community, and will enhance our footprint on the continent,” says Sylvain Bosc, SAA chief commercial officer.

“Enhancing air travel links with Nigeria speaks to the growth in bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The two countries historically have had strong economic, diplomatic, social and fraternal ties. These are the two economic powerhouses of Africa, with much more to offer and share,” Aaron Munetsi, SAA regional general manager for Africa, says.

Sade Williams