Brazilian airline LATAM expects its restarted route between São Paulo and Johannesburg to carry around 75 000 passengers per year, much to the excitement of the inbound tourism industry.
Flight LA8058 – a Boeing 787-900 aircraft that had 90% of its 300 seats (213 in Economy, 57 in Premium Economy, and 30 in Premium Business) filled for the inaugural flight – touched down at JNB on Sunday, September 3, an hour earlier than its expected 08:10 arrival time. The flight signaled the restart of the route after a three-and-a-half-year break, opening up a much-needed connection to the South American market.
The flight operates three times per week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, departing Sao Paolo at 17:25. The JNB- São Paulo flight also departs on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 13:10.
“Finally, we are reconnecting these two cities, which means two continents. Thanks to the agreements with local airlines in South Africa and our network of destinations in South America, we can offer the best flexibility to explore an entire region,” said Davide Ioppolo, LATAM’s Regional Commercial Director for Central and South East Europe, the UK, Nordics, Middle East and South Africa.
LATAM now flies from Brazil to 90 direct and indirect destinations and has established interline agreements with partner companies in South Africa to connect to Angola, Mozambique, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Congo, Madagascar, Lesotho, Cameroon. Nigeria, Senegal, Gabon, Malawi, and the Ivory Coast.
‘Wave of excitement’
In 2019, Brazil was one of South Africa’s top 10 source markets, accounting for 77 261 arrivals.
South Africa’s inbound industry has voiced excitement at the potential of surpassing these figures, particularly with the resumption of South African Airways’ flights connecting São Paulo to JNB (starting on October 31) and Cape Town (starting November 6).
“The return of LATAM and SAA flights to South America has ignited a wave of excitement for the tourism industry,” said David Ryan, CEO of Rhino Africa, pointing out that before COVID-19, almost 20% of Rhino Africa’s guests came from South America.
“The market has been unable to recover due primarily to the lack of connectivity. This reintroduction, therefore, signifies renewed possibilities and opportunities for Rhino Africa, our guests, and the tourism industry as a whole. It is a long-awaited and crucial step towards enhancing connectivity,” said Ryan.
He pointed at the similarities between the destinations as a key factor in driving tourism growth between the two continents.
“With a vast array of natural wonders and diverse wildlife, both destinations are mutually popular for nature enthusiasts, beach-goers, and wildlife lovers. Attracting a larger number of visitors eager to discover the beauty and cultural richness of our country will only have a positive ripple effect on various sectors, supporting local businesses and contributing to sustainable development,” Ryan said.
“I think there is huge potential in the Brazilian market,” added Lense Carstens, Owner of hospitality consulting company Nurturing Revenue. “We have in the past dabbled in the luxury Brazilian market, but with direct flights and renewed commitment with BRICS countries to collaborate in various sectors, this could finally take off to become a fully validated market for the luxury sector,” said Carstens.
