Air China will start Beijing-Johannesburg nonstop service on October 29, 2015, which will be the first air link offered by a Chinese carrier between Mainland China and South Africa and also Air China’s first route to Africa. The service will spare Chinese travelers to South Africa the trouble of having to make a transfer en route. With a 14-hour flight, travelers can get to the southernmost point of the African continent to explore the amazing and mysterious Africa.
The flights CA867/8 Beijing-Johannesburg are to be operated on Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday (outbound) and on Monday/Wednesday/Friday (inbound). The outbound flight departs from Beijing at 23:15 Beijing time, and arrives in Johannesburg at 7:35 local time on the following day. The inbound flight departs from Johannesburg at 11:50 local time and arrives in Beijing at 7:30 Beijing time. The flights are to be operated with Boeing 777-300ER, an aircraft type quite popular with the world’s business travelers. Its First Class and Business Class are outfitted with full-flat seats and a central bar. All classes of service offer personal AVOD, power outlets, accessible toilets for the disabled and a mood lighting system which can mimic the sunrise to sunset, guaranteeing a truly pleasant journey for passengers.
Located in the world’s biggest gold zone and the epicenter of South Africa’s economic activities, Johannesburg accounts for around half of South Africa’s industrial output and has earned its reputation as the “City of Gold.” It boasts Africa’s primitive savannah, but also is at the cutting edge of world trends. The Johannesburg Zoo, Bird Protection Center and diamond factories are always on the to-visit list of visitors. Travelers can also be treated to the dances of the hospitable locals.
2015 marks the year when Air China returns to Africa. Back in the 1970’s, Air China started its nonstop service to Africa. This year coincides with the South Africa-China Year. Johannesburg will be the first destination Air China will begin to serve on October 29, after many years of absence from the African market, and the new service will further solidify the political, economic and cultural exchanges between China and Africa. This year, Air China will also start Beijing-Addis Ababa service. The two routes are part of Air China’s endeavor to build its global route network with its hub in Beijing, and make it easier for travelers from countries like China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore to travel to and from South Africa and Africa as a whole and offer additional flight options for travelers.
