Lufthansa has commenced direct flights between Munich and Johannesburg – with the arrival of flight LH 578 in Johannesburg on 3 September.
LUFTHANSA MUNICH JOHANNESBURG FLIGHTS
The Lufthansa flight operating as LH 578, departed Munich Airport at 20.29 on 2 September and arrived in Johannesburg at 06.43 the following morning.
Lufthansa’s CEO, Jens Ritter, who was onboard the inaugural flight, symbolically cut the ribbon on arrival in Johannesburg, to commemorate the relaunch of this route.
“Munich, with its award-winning airport, is a popular and beautiful city in the heart of Europe. It is also a convenient hub to take advantage of numerous onwards flights. Our customers in South Africa will have more choice and travel options departing from Johannesburg, as this new connection complements our daily service to Frankfurt. Both routes are priced at the same level, providing passengers with flexibility to even combine both routes,” Ritter said.
Lufthansa will offer three flights a week between Munich and Johannesburg. Flights will operate year-round with a next-generation widebody aircraft.
The Airbus A350-900 can accommodate up to 293 passengers in Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
BUILDING ECONOMIC TIES
This Lufthansa flight connects South Africa’s powerhouse (Gauteng Province) with Germany’s powerhouse (Bavaria).
Both regions are important industrial centres in the respective countries. Therefore the new scheduled service can potentially boost trade between the two countries. Germany is indeed one of South Africa’s top trade partners.
Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said, “We are delighted to welcome the reintroduction of Lufthansa’s direct route between Munich and Johannesburg, which offers significantly more seats per week to travellers between Germany and South Africa. The nonstop connection between Munich and Johannesburg will undoubtedly boost bilateral trade, create jobs and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of both respective regions. It will also improve South Africa’s position as a main player in the global aviation network. Lufthansa Airlines has been a pivotal partner in enhancing the aviation landscape at O.R. Tambo International Airport.”
This service is not completely new for Lufthansa. The airline operated scheduled services on the route almost 19 years ago. It scrapped the route in October 2005.
South African Airways later took up the opportunity to service this route with its own flights, which were suspended in 2020, when the airline was in business rescue.
ALSO READ: Lufthansa to introduce new Allegris seat cabins to Cape Town
INCREASED CAPACITY TO SOUTH AFRICA
This service thus increases Lufthansa’s capacity out of Johannesburg. In fact, it expands Lufthansa’s footprint in South Africa.
The airline offers flights from Frankfurt and Munich to both Cape Town and Johannesburg.
With operations into both Johannesburg and Cape Town, the Lufthansa Group of Airlines (including Lufthansa, SWISS and Edelweiss) will offer a total of 34 weekly connections to Europe from South Africa for the upcoming winter schedule.
Rene Koinzack, Senior Director Sales Southern and Eastern Africa, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea Lufthansa Group, said, “This inaugural flight is a milestone in our 62-year long history in South Africa. Connecting Johannesburg with Munich is an exciting match as Bavaria and Gauteng both show a dynamic business environment, having economic ties into many sectors. Both destinations are also popular with many leisure travellers who find numerous unique attractions – with the benefit of almost no time difference, therefore no jetlag. This huge capacity increase will also contribute to the tourism sector in South Africa.”
ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu warmly welcomes @lufthansa inaugural direct flight from Munich to Johannesburg! The new route is a significant milestone, not only for the aviation industry but also for our country. It heralds a new era of connectivity and collaboration between South Africa… pic.twitter.com/thnYUQGwEJ
— Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) September 3, 2024
