Emirates plans for SA expansion

Emirates, a leading airline, is on a mission to expand its services to and from South Africa as the country eases travel restrictions. The airline aims to support South Africa's tourism industry in its recovery post-pandemic. Afzal Parambil, the Regional Manager for Southern Africa at Emirates, shared insights on the airline's plans for South Africa in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Emirates has a long-standing relationship with South Africa dating back to 1995 when they first started operating with two weekly flights. South Africa is a crucial market for Emirates and is the largest social market in the African continent. Before the impact of COVID-19, Emirates operated 49 flights per week in South Africa, highlighting its significance in the airline's network. Currently, Emirates operates 18 flights per week in South Africa, with plans to increase this to 21 flights by September. The positive response from customers has fueled their decision to expand further in the region. In a strategic move, Emirates recently announced a partnership with the Independent South African airline, Airlink. This partnership, sealed through a Codeshare Agreement, provides Emirates access to over 30 additional destinations in the region and the domestic market. The collaboration facilitates seamless connectivity for travelers, enabling them to travel to various destinations without the hassle of multiple bookings and baggage transfers. The partnership with Airlink further enhances Emirates' extensive network, especially as travel restrictions continue to ease globally. With the vaccination progress in South Africa still underway, Emirates has emphasized the importance of vaccination for international travel. While no vaccination certificates are required by Emirates, travelers must adhere to destination-specific requirements, including PCR testing. The airline stresses the need for travelers to have the necessary documentation and meet all entry prerequisites to ensure a smooth travel experience. Reflecting on the challenges faced in 2020, Emirates acknowledges the need for agility, flexibility, and adaptability in the airline industry. The key learnings from the past year have shaped Emirates' strategy moving forward, focusing on enhancing technology, operational efficiency, and readiness for market shifts. As the industry anticipates a rebound in the coming months, Emirates remains optimistic about the future and is actively preparing to meet the evolving demands of the market. The airline recognizes the role of international regulations and government policies in shaping its growth trajectory and is committed to staying resilient amidst changing market dynamics.