Despite its political turmoils, Brazil and South Africa remain two of the key connectors to what is referred to as south-to-south cooperation.
A term created by the United Nations to represent the technical cooperation among developing countries in the Global South. Brazil and South Africa are some of the strongest players in this context, particularly when you add trade to the equation.
In spite of all difficulties faced by airlines during the pandemic, which among others, dismantled the already distressed South Africa Airlines operation, South America’s LATAM managed to stay afloat and it is slowly gaining new ground in its international routes.
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The resumption of a São Paulo to Johannesburg service after 3 years, represents the return of the only non-stop service among the two most important financial and business hubs on both continents. With South Africa’s Airlink‘s growing regional strategy in Africa and LATAM’s wide network in South American capitals, the route is likely to regain its former status as the gateway between the two continents.
LATAM Airlines confirmed that it will resume flights operating operate its 300-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner between Sao Paulo and Johannesburg as early as July 2023.
According to Aline Mafra, Sales and Marketing Director of LATAM Brazil, “Johannesburg is another milestone in our path to international recovery, which is being carried out strategically, expanding the offer where there is demand from passengers. This flight will meet a corporate demand that has always been relevant between countries, in addition to the potential tourism in the destination. A direct operation between countries will undoubtedly be a differentiated product in the airline market”
The 9-hour route will initially be available 3 times a week and is part of LATAM’s strategy to resume all of its key international routes.
