Fly to India - courtesy SAA

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The new airbus entrenches SAA's commitment in offering an enhanced service to customers travelling between India and South Africa, and also adding value to efforts of encouraging more business visitors to explore the opportunities available in the country.

SAA operates from Mumbai four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) at 2.35am and into Mumbai from Johannesburg four times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) at 11.50am.

International Relations spokesperson Clayson Monyela welcomed the introduction of the flights, saying that they will go a long way to further improving trade relations with the people of India.

He also hoped to work together with them towards the goal of building a prosperous country, a stable continent and a better world for all.

A vital route

"We know that the more we improve on products and services, including experience, the more the chances of increasing volumes and spending. The new product in the market augurs well for our drive of growing our economy and creating jobs for our people and should be welcomed," added Monyela.

SAA general manager: commercial, Theunis Potgieter, said the Johannesburg-Mumbai route was vital in strengthening the airline's international route network, effectively supporting the country's thriving tourism and business markets.

"Over and above providing connectivity, our valued customers can look forward to an enhanced product and the added comfort and convenience offered by this impressive aircraft," said Potgieter.

India's thriving tourism market will see international tourist arrivals flourish by a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.9% for the period spanning 2010-2015.

Rich with cultural resources and many World Heritage sites, India is also a country with dazzling fauna, and strong creative industries.

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)