During the heart of the pandemic, the world’s largest passenger transport aircraft, Airbus A380, was strongly criticized for inefficiency during the air crisis, leading to most operators retiring the type.

However, that was then as better days begin to appear on the horizon of the giant of two floors.
The latest move in this direction came on Wednesday, September 8, when Emirates airline, the world’s largest A380 operator announced it will bolster its operations to South Africa.

The Gulf carrier sees the A380 model suitable aircraft for these routes and especially given signs that the resumption of aviation in certain markets could be quicker than expected.

The ramp-up will first see Emirates operate 28 scheduled weekly flights to South Africa, becoming the largest weekly schedule to South Africa since the start of the pandemic.

Effective October, 31, the carrier will serve double daily flights to Johannesburg, including the introduction of the iconic A380 on one of the daily flights, while also flying daily services to both Cape Town and Durban, its South Africa’s gateways.

The airline aims to bring more competitive choices for customers wishing to visit Dubai, and through Dubai to its network of over 120 global destinations, while gradually expanding the use of this aircraft in line with the growing demand.

From January 1, 2022, Emirates will serve Johannesburg with double daily A380 service, with the flight schedule expansion in response to an anticipated surge in customer demand to Dubai as tourist visas have opened up for all nationalities, in addition to the easing of restrictions across some destinations that now allow quarantine-free entry for South African.

Comes just a week after the Gulf carrier’s regional manager Afzal Parambil explained that the suspension of the Airline’s operations has given it a chance to re-strategize and reconsider its operations in South Africa.
Parambil also highlighted that the cargo played a pivotal role to Emirates and its operations in South Africa especially during this unprecedented time.

Emirates also confirmed through a statement that it is firmly committed to supporting the recovery of South Africa’s tourism industry through facilitating enhanced connectivity for international visitors into the country.
The country has been battling the third and fourth wave of COVID-19 infections that significantly depressed its economy as similarly seen around the globe.

Emirates, SAA Partnership

Moreover, with South African Airways (SAA) resuming operations on 23rd September, Emirates is set to revive its strategic partnership and cooperation with South Africa’s flag carrier, which dates back to 1997, and is Emirates’ first ever codeshare agreement with another carrier.

Prior to the pandemic, the partnership developed to include a complimentary joint network of 110 destinations, optimized schedules offering greater connectivity for customers, as well as baggage transfers and enhanced reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
Since the start of their strategic cooperation, close to 370,000 passengers have been transported and benefited from the Emirates and SAA partnership.

With the revival of the SAA partnership, Emirates will be strengthening its footprint across South and southern Africa with four interline and codeshare partnerships, including the recently announced interline agreement with Airlink, Comair and FlySafair, adding its route map with 79 additional codeshare and interline cities.

Negative PCR Test

Emirates also confirmed that certification of the COVID-19 examination is mandatory with a QR code taken within 48 hours and collected at an approved health facility.
Passengers arriving in Dubai will be required to take another COVID 19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International airport. This coverage applies to all passengers transiting in Dubai who must also complete all the requirements of their final destination.

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Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

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