Leisure travel, trade and investment between South Africa and Germany are increasing, creating opportunities for German independent carrier, Condor, to expand its services between the two countries.
This was highlighted during the official launch of Condor’s inaugural Frankfurt to Johannesburg flight which starts on November 4. “We work closely with the top tour operators in Germany and Europe and we know there is demand. We are also strengthening our relationships with key tourism partners in South Africa, including South African Tourism and Airports Company South Africa to further stimulate demand for both business and leisure travel,” said Carsten Sasse, Head of Sales: Global Accounts and Overseas Markets for Condor.
The route will supplement Condor's seasonal Cape Town flights during the Northern hemisphere winter season. And while initially also seasonal, it could become permanent should there be demand.
“I am confident there will be as there are so many ties between South Africa and Germany.”
Sasse told Tourism Update that the new route was already fully booked for its first week and advised that the industry encourages clients to book early to get the best rates.
“We also believe we offer the best value for money on routes,” added Sasse, highlighting that initial fares on the Johannesburg to Frankfurt route would start from US$249 in economy class, US$549 for premium economy and US$1 899 for business class.
‘Not just a point-to-point carrier’
Sasse emphasised that Condor offered connections to South Africa from a number of European countries, not just Germany. “It is important to note that we are not just a point-to-point carrier. We offer flights from over 300 European destination, not just through our own network but through our interline agreements with other carriers,” he said.
The airline has also signed interline agreements locally with FlySafair and Airlink for local and regional flights connecting to several destinations in Southern Africa and locally, including Durban and Port Elizabeth.
New aircraft
Condor has signed an agreement to purchase 16 new A330neo Airbus aircraft to be deployed on the South African routes. These will also be rebranded with the new livery.
“Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and maximum efficiency, the latest-generation 2-litre aircraft is the European front-runner with 2.1 litres per passenger per 100 kilometres and the highest level of customer comfort,” commented Sasse.
