Cape Town Air Access, an initiative led by Western Cape provincial trade, tourism and investment promotion agency Wesgro, and the Western Cape provincial government, has welcomed the decision by State-owned airline South African Airways (SAA) to initiate a direct link between Cape Town and Brazil’s number one economic hub, São Paulo. This will be the revived SAA’s first intercontinental route.

“We are absolutely delighted that a new direct flight service between Cape Town and São Paulo has been launched,” affirmed Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities Minister Mireille Wenger. “The benefits of the new route will help strengthen the economic ties between the Western Cape and Brazil and also opens up immense opportunities for enhanced trade, tourism, and investment between our two regions. We commend [SAA] for their commitment to expanding connectivity and contributing to the growth of our economies. This new flight route is a testament to our shared vision of building strong global connections and driving economic prosperity and job creation.”

Air passenger traffic growth between the two cities grew at an average rate of 26% a year over the period from 2015 to 2019. In the latter year, two-way passengers between Brazil (and other South American countries, via Brazil) and the Western Cape numbered 43 000.  

“The direct connection has been a work in progress for the Cape Town Air Access team for five years now, we are thrilled to see our efforts finally come to fruition,” pointed out initiative spokesperson Wrenelle Stander. “A direct, non-stop connection will significantly boost the recovery of Latin American traffic to Cape Town, which stood at only 23% in 2022 compared to 2019 passenger volumes. Beyond the convenience factor, Cape Town is perfectly positioned to serve as a connecting hub between Asia and South America – the direct route will be the shortest one available to date.”

Exports to Brazil via Cape Town totalled more than R490-million last year. However, currently, air cargo volumes between the two cities are low. This is expected to change significantly for the better with the introduction of the direct service. And this should stimulate economic growth.