South African Airways (SAA) launched its inaugural direct flight from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi today, a milestone aimed at boosting trade, investment, and collaboration between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The flight took off from OR Tambo International Airport at 10:50 am, landing at Luano International Airport in Lubumbashi three hours later, marking the beginning of a vital new connection for two of Africa’s major mining hubs.
The route is scheduled to operate five times a week, catering to both direct and connecting passengers. This strategic timing supports smooth transitions between corporate headquarters, mining sites, and key business locations across the DRC and South Africa, with proximity to Zambia’s mining regions as well.
Strengthening Ties Between South Africa and the DRC
Professor John Lamola, SAA’s interim chief executive, emphasised the significance of this new route: “As an enabler of trade and commerce in Africa, SAA connects two of Africa’s most influential economies and mining centres. This flight helps unlock greater prosperity, fostering collaboration and creating new avenues for trade, investment, and development across our continent.”
Trade between South Africa and the DRC has steadily increased, with exports from South Africa to the DRC seeing a 50% compound annual growth rate from 2018 to 2022. In 2022 alone, South Africa’s exports to the DRC amounted to R26.6 billion, dominated by refined petroleum and mining machinery. Meanwhile, the DRC exported R2.4 billion in goods to South Africa, primarily refined copper, precious metals, raw zinc, and minerals critical to both nations’ industrial economies.
Enhanced Cargo Capacity to Support African Industry
The A320 aircraft operating this route not only transports passengers but also provides extensive cargo capacity, a key benefit for mining, infrastructure, and industrial sectors across the continent. Direct air connectivity is expected to streamline logistics, reducing transit times and costs for mining machinery and mineral exports vital to African economies.
Professor Lamola underscored the importance of this connectivity for Africa’s growth: “With this flight, we’re not only expanding our regional footprint; we’re reinforcing a vision for Africa’s future—one of seamless trade enabled by connectivity. SAA is proud to further the legacy of friendship and shared prosperity between South Africa and the DRC. The potential of Africa lies in our connections and partnerships, and today is a reminder of that power.”
A Vision for Pan-African Prosperity
As the new Johannesburg-Lubumbashi route takes off, SAA aims to strengthen Africa’s position in global trade through increased regional connectivity. By supporting the needs of passengers and industries alike, the airline is fostering economic growth that extends beyond national borders, reinforcing Africa’s collective commitment to collaboration and prosperity.
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