Oct 04, 2016: LATAM Airlines launched new route to South Africa to expand the connectivity offered to passengers, making LATAM the only Latin American carrier to operate flights between region and the African continent.

The airline deployed Boeing 767 aircraft on the route.

The first flight landed on Monday afternoon at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

“We strive to take our customers further and with this new Johannesburg service we will connect four continents and passengers on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Claudia Sender, president of LATAM Airlines Brazil.

“This flight marks the first new international service outside of Latin America since the launch of the LATAM brand in April, which will connect two regions that have much to offer to tourists and business travelers alike.”

LATAM Airlines Group expects to fly more than 50,000 passengers per year on the São Paulo-Johannesburg-São Paulo route. From the group’s São Paulo hub, connections will be available to destinations throughout South America including Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires and other Brazilian cities.

Johannesburg is one of Africa´s main gateways, offering connections to destinations such as Cape Town, Durban and the islands of Mauritius, the Seychelles and the Maldives. Attractions include the natural reserves of the Kruger National Park, surf beaches and acclaimed wine routes as well as range of other cultural and natural destinations.

During October, LATAM Airlines flight JJ8162 will depart São Paulo at 11:55 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Johannesburg at 2:10 p.m. the next day (local time). The return flight (JJ8163) will depart at 11:10 p.m. (local time) on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving in São Paulo at 4:45 a.m. the next day (local time).

In November, flight JJ8162 will operate its set schedule, leaving São Paulo at 11:55 p.m. (local time) on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and arrive in Johannesburg at 2:10 p.m. the next day (local time). The return trip, flight JJ8163, will leave at 11:10 p.m. (local time) on Monday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in São Paulo at 4:45 a.m. the next day (local time).

Read Full Article