Direct Flights Between China and South Africa Resume

The Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Tasneem Motara, has expressed her pleasure at the resumption of direct flights between China and South Africa. She described the cancellation of flights between the two countries as having a negative impact on trade, investment, and tourism between them. The resumption of flights would restore economic ties that previously benefited from the flights between the two cities.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, China contributed largely to Gauteng’s markets for trade, investment, business, and leisure visitors, with around 120,000 visitors annually. South Africa is among the first 20 markets that China has reopened after the pandemic. China is also South Africa’s largest trading partner, with 9.7% of exports going to that country.

According to the Airport Company South Africa, long-haul air services can support up to 3,000 jobs, and a 10% increase in passenger volumes can result in a 2% economic growth. The MEC believes that the resumption of flights will result in more economic opportunities, especially for young entrepreneurs. She noted that China and South Africa have a long history of benefiting from each other’s strengths in various areas, such as business, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and tourism.

The Air China Airbus A350 has a capacity of 300-350 passengers, and the resumption of flights comes just four months before South Africa hosts the 2023 Brics summit in August. The resumption of flights will not only restore economic ties but also facilitate the movement of people between the two countries. It is hoped that the resumption of flights will create more opportunities for business and cultural exchanges, as well as promoting tourism between the two countries.