Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - SAA to introduce JNB-EZE route on 8 April

Seems like SAA are now going ahead with the previously axed plans for the Buenos Aires route in April 2009.

more about it here (http://www.impactpub.com.au/micebtn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2997&Itemid=50)

Well who would have thunk it: Aussies travelling to South America via South Africa! From PER there's not much in it distance wise so I guess it's all about convenience or the desire to stop in S Africa en route.

I notice that the SAA web site has nothing about this, nor does their downloadable schedule show it. So the restructuring obviously hasn't included any improvements on that score. :rolleyes:

...our position as the preferred carrier between South America and major cities in Asia, including Australia...Apart from the highly dubious claim, somebody should inform their head of Australasia that Australia isn't in Asia.

Well who would have thunk it: Aussies travelling to South America via South Africa! From PER there's not much in it distance wise so I guess it's all about convenience or the desire to stop in S Africa en route.

I notice that the SAA web site has nothing about this, nor does their downloadable schedule show it. So the restructuring obviously hasn't included any improvements on that score. :rolleyes:.Yeah, the flights don't seem available yet via travel agent websites - but the SAA online booking does bring up direct flights if you try to book after April 8.

Qantas introduced direct flights from SYD-EZE a few months back - so I'm not sure how much of the Australia market SAA will actually get - I can't imagine how many people would want to combine a S.African and S.American holiday at one time.

Well who would have thunk it: Aussies travelling to South America via South Africa! From PER there's not much in it distance wise so I guess it's all about convenience or the desire to stop in S Africa en route.

I notice that the SAA web site has nothing about this, nor does their downloadable schedule show it. So the restructuring obviously hasn't included any improvements on that score. :rolleyes:

Apart from the highly dubious claim, somebody should inform their head of Australasia that Australia isn't in Asia.

Well, if you dig deep enough on the SAA website, you'll find it: click on 'about us' in very small print at the top and then on media releases.
Why they want to hide their news so well beats me, but as most of the news items displayed tell you how many awards they have won or how great an airline they are, I dont really mind not having this self-praise stuffed down my throat every time I visit the website.

I wonder what route they are downscaling. Looking at current schedules, they dont have the equipment to do this without making other changes.

Well, if you dig deep enough on the SAA website, you'll find it: click on 'about us' in very small print at the top and then on media releases.I sweartogod when I looked this morning those last 3 items (dated 25, 27, 29 Nov) were not there! There must be an SAA lurker on FT! ;)

I sweartogod when I looked this morning those last 3 items (dated 25, 27, 29 Nov) were not there! There must be an SAA lurker on FT! ;)

I completely believe you. I have seen many instances where the posting date of these 'media releases' is very diffent from the date shown.

Just managed to book EZE-JNB in Business for April 2009 with my bmi miles (although rather an expensive redemption with bmi miles)

Flight frequency looks like it is only twice a week:

JNB-EZE Wed/Sun 0950-1630
EZE-JNB Wed/Sun 1830-0855 +1

efficient use out of the aircraft at least.

Does that mean there is a route out there somewhere that is losing a 2 weekly frequency?