The Lufthansa Group is extending its South African flying season, with Munich-Johannesburg operating year-round for the first time since the route was reintroduced and Edelweiss shortening the seasonal break.
The Group will operate its largest-ever northern winter schedule, with 38 weekly flights across Lufthansa, SWISS and Edelweiss.
Lufthansa will increase its Munich-Johannesburg service from three to five weekly flights, with a new night flight. Cape Town will gain an additional non-stop service from Frankfurt, making the route a daily service, while Edelweiss will continue operating the Cape Town-Zurich route five times a week
In an interview with Travel News, René Koinzack, Senior Director North, East & Southern Africa, Lufthansa Group Airlines, said as Lufthansa Group increased frequencies, the seasonal gap in its South African services was narrowing.
“For example, Edelweiss operated its Zurich-Cape Town service until mid-May rather than ending it in March, and will resume the service in mid-September. This means the route is becoming less seasonal, which is positive.”
The expanded winter season reflects growing outbound and inbound numbers.
“The most recent tourist season recorded the highest number of German visitors to South Africa since COVID. We also see an increase of demand from South African travellers, with higher demand to connect with friends, families back in Europe,” said Koinzack.
The mix between corporate and leisure travel, together with market stability, was driving demand, he said.
“We are also seeing more middle-class travellers broadening their choice of destinations and exploring more of Europe.”
Munich-Cape Town is one of the first routes, globally, to feature the new Allegris onboard product, followed by Cape Town-Frankfurt during the summer. “During the winter, Cape Town will be served with Allegris on both routes, which is a very strong statement. It’s one of the few destinations where we can guarantee the latest product on every Lufthansa flight.”
SWISS would roll out its new SWISS Senses cabin on its Zurich-Johannesburg route this winter, he said.
The group’s focus is now on ensuring that growth is sustainable. “In the midterm, it’s really for us to establish and grow sustainably and then look for opportunities in South Africa,” said Koinzack.
