Negotiations underway for more direct flights to Western Cape
The Western Cape is moving to secure non-stop direct flights to a set of strategic destinations across the world.
This news was announced at the official launch of the Cape Town Air Access initiative last night (25 February 2016), which was hosted by Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities, and Cape Town Mayor, Patricia de Lille.
The programme also included Tim Harris, CEO of Wesgro and Deon Cloete, General Manager of Cape Town International Airport.
MEC Winde said the Cape Town Air Access initiative is a collaboration between the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company South Africa, Wesgro and airline industries, all of which agree that improving accessibility to our region through more direct flights is crucial to growing jobs.
The dedicated Air Access team is tasked with the initiation, retention and expansion of air routes to Cape Town. The partners of Cape Town Air Access last night signed a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the air access strategy.
MEC Winde said the Cape Town Air Access team had already made gains in securing new routes to our region.
“In the short time they have existed, they have helped to secure more direct flights on major airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines. KLM has also committed to increasing its frequencies.”
MEC Winde added that the team was finalising negotiations for non-stop flights to key strategic destinations in Africa, Asia and the United States of America.
“Two new direct flights to strategic destinations are already on the cards for 2016/17, one of which should be announced shortly.”
MEC Winde said boosting air access was key in the Western Cape’s growth strategy.
“As part of Project Khulisa, we have prioritised tourism and agri-processing. Ease of access to our destination is key in reaching our jobs and growth objectives for these focus sectors.”
Enquiries:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
