South African Airways Further Strengthens West African Network, Introduces Abuja

South African Airways (SAA), the leading carrier in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, has introduced a second entry point to Nigeria, which will considerably add to business travel options in the West African region.

The addition of Abuja to SAA’s network follows closely on the successful introduction of the Accra, Ghana to Washington Dulles, USA route, as a West African platform in August 2015. SAA launched flights between Accra, Ghana and Washington DC in North America, in cooperation with Africa World Airways.

“Introducing Abuja as a second entry point in Nigeria will add more travel options, especially for the business community, and will enhance our footprint on the continent,” says Sylvain Bosc, SAA Chief Commercial Officer.

Abuja, built in the 1980s, became Nigeria’s capital in December 1991, and is known for being one of the few purpose-built capital cities in Africa. Located in the centre of Nigeria, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it is the Nigerian seat of government where the Presidency, National Assembly, Supreme Court, and Embassies of most countries are situated.

With Abuja, SAA will be serving eight destinations in Central and West Africa, with flights from its Johannesburg hub to Lagos (Nigeria); Abidjan (Ivory Coast); Cotonou (Benin); Accra (Ghana); Douala (Cameroon), Dakar (Senegal) and Libreville (Gabon) already forming part of the extensive regional route network.

The three weekly flights will operate non-stop between Johannesburg and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard modern Airbus 330-200s, offering SAA Business class comfort and luxury, with the latest in In-flight entertainment.

The first flight is scheduled to depart O.R Tambo International Airport on 26 January 2016. Flights are open for sale on all SAA’s distribution channels

The GSA for South African Airways in Greece is Discover the World Greece & Cyprus.