Lufthansa launched its inaugural flight between Munich and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport earlier this week.
The inaugural flight (LH 578) arrived in Johannesburg on September 3. Germany’s national carrier will offer three services a week on this route. This is in addition to existing services between Frankfurt and Johannesburg.
The new year-round service will be operated with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The widebody aircraft accommodates up to 293 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
Lufthansa’s CEO, Jens Ritter, who was onboard flight LH 578 said that the airline was excited to operate the route. Ritter added in a press release, “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.”
Reintroduced Lufthansa Route
The airline previously offered flights between Munich and Johannesburg almost 19 years ago. However, it terminated its services in October 2005.
South African Airways then seized the opportunity to fly between Munich and Johannesburg, offering its own services. These flights were suspended in 2020 when the African airline underwent a business rescue procedure.
As a result, there have been no nonstop services between Munich and Johannesburg since 2020.
The reintroduction of this service connects Johannesburg with Bavaria. Both regions are indeed important industrial and commercial centers in each country.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) CEO Mpumi Mpofu said that the relaunched route was important for the growth of South Africa’s economy.
“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,” Mpofu said.
