Air China will not begin direct services to South Africa in May as was previously announced.

Acsa spokesperson, Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, told Tourism Update: “We can confirm that the airline has been earmarked to commence operations in August. Whether or not that is going to happen as planned would need to be confirmed by the airline.”

The airline has obtained slots for three flights a week at OR Tambo International.

The reason for the delay of the launch remains unclear.

SAA will cut its Beijing route from April. The airline announced in February the route would be serviced by Air China as part of a codeshare agreement.

Air China could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.