- Özgür Töre
United Airlines on June 3 launched a new daily nonstop service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The new flight will be operated on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner departing Newark at 8:45 pm arriving in South Africa at 5:45 pm the next day. With this new service, United will operate more flights to South Africa than any other U.S. carrier.
The gate event at Newark Liberty International Airport was celebrated with Zulu dancers performing the Indlamu dance, a traditional dance which is most often associated with Zulu culture. Typically, two dancers in warrior's pelts perform indlamu routines together, shadowing each other's moves perfectly. The performance also featured drums and full traditional attire.
Special guests in attendance included Consul General of South Africa, Dr. Motumisi Tawana; President, South African Tourism North America Hub, Mr. Jerry Mpufane; and Manager, International Network Planning, United, Mr. Tom Kozlowski.
“We promised our travelers that South Africa would be waiting for them once travel could safely resume and in partnership with United Airlines, we are not only delivering on that promise, but we are making the journey to South Africa easier and more accessible than ever before,” said Jerry Mpufane, President of South African Tourism North America Hub.
“South Africa is a vibrant destination with astounding diversity. With her buzzing cities, natural space for outdoor experiences, rich cultures and histories to learn and uncover, we are confident she will exceed visitors’ wildest imagination and deliver unforgettable memories.”
Johannesburg, the metropolis with the country’s tallest skyscrapers, boasts a variety of offerings for all travelers and serves as a perfect jumping off point for exploring the rest of South Africa’s vibrant and bustling provinces from lush coastlines to majestic plains and deserts. The nonstop route allows travellers to spend more time in South Africa for an epic getaway full of unrivalled culture, adventure, history, wildlife, culinary experiences and world-class accommodations for every budget.
The United flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.
South Africa has been open for tourism since November 2020 with health and safety protocols in place including travellers requiring a negative Covid-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival as well as visitors and locals alike wearing face masks in public.
