British Airways is taking the Airbus A380 to South Africa, with tickets already on sale.
The airline aims to start flying the A380 to Johannesburg from 12 February 2014, although the date for the inaugural flight may be earlier. Initially, it will operate three times a week, increasing to six weekly services by March 2014. These flights will be part of the airline’s normal schedule to South Africa’s commercial capital.
Since British Airways took delivery of its first superjumbo earlier this month, Johannesburg is only the third A380 route to be confirmed after Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
To mark the announcement, British Airways is offering discounts of up to 40% from South Africa to London across all cabins. World Traveller fares start from R8,380, World Traveller Plus from R15,380, Club World from R30,380 and First from R53,380. The launch special runs until 31 August for travel from 12 February to 21 June 2014. Fares include all taxes and surcharges, but may vary slightly on the day of purchase due to exchange rate fluctuations.
British Airways’ A380s can accommodate 469 customers across four cabins. That includes 14 in First Class, whilst Club World (Business Class) customers can choose from 44 seats on the main deck, or 53 seats on the upper deck. The upper deck seats will be arranged in a new 2:3:2 configuration across the cabin. The 55 World Traveller Plus (Premier Economy) seats are located on the upper deck, while World Traveller (Economy) customers can choose seats on both the main and upper deck. The aircraft’s innovative design makes it much quieter during take-off and landing, and the cabin has the lowest noise level of any existing passenger aircraft.