SAA to increase capacity for soccer world cup

07 January 2010, 01:41

SAA to Increase Capacity for Soccer World Cup
Artwell Dlamini
6 January 2010

Johannesburg — SOUTH African Airways (SAA) says that in the next few weeks it will release details of its plans to handle the unprecedented demand for flights during the Soccer World Cup, which kicks off in June.

Spokeswoman Vimla Maistry said yesterday the flag carrier had not yet determined how many aircraft it would need for the world's largest soccer spectacular and an expected 500000 spectators.

Maistry said SAA was exploring different ways of increasing capacity. SAA, which has a fleet of 52 aircraft, was in discussions with various airlines and leasing companies to assist with capacity where needed .

"No final agreements have been reached," she said.

"SAA will release more information on this in the next few weeks once discussions have been completed."

SAA, Maistry said, had not yet finalised its flight schedule, making it difficult to determine "demand at this stage".

An initial schedule, she said, should be in place within a week and this would change according to passenger demand. "We expect in the region of 350000 to 450000 visitors in the country.

"Whether we increase the number of aircraft in our fleet is dependent on demand."

She said the group intended to operate a 24-hour flight schedule to accommodate match times.