FIT Latin America: Gabriel Gomes of South African Airways highlights flight expansion and strategic connections

Gabriel Gomes participated in FIT for the first time as an exhibitor for South African Airways and emphasized the event's importance to the market. "We are here in Argentina seeking to reactivate our presence. The Argentine consumer is one of the company's strategic pillars; after São Paulo, it is our second largest sales market," Gomes stated. According to him, the fair has proven to be well-organized, with a qualified audience and high business potential.

Connections throughout South America

From São Paulo, at Guarulhos Airport, SAA maintains partnerships with airlines that expand its route reach in the region. "Specifically speaking of Argentina, we have partnerships with Gol and Aerolíneas Argentinas, which operate the Buenos Aires-São Paulo corridor," explained Gomes. He also highlighted Interline agreements with Avianca, Latam, and Gol for destinations such as Colombia, Peru, and Chile, always with the advantage of a single checked baggage allowance and two 32-kilogram pieces, a distinction maintained by the airline.

Increased frequencies and new routes

Starting in December, the airline will expand its operations. "We will have six weekly flights, four from São Paulo to Johannesburg and two to Cape Town," Gomes explained. Flights to Johannesburg will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, while flights to Cape Town will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Additionally, SAA is launching a new route between Cape Town and Mauritius, with three weekly flights, offering greater convenience for those looking to combine wineries, beaches, and gastronomy with the island destination.

International expansion plans

The executive also outlined the company's next steps. "The idea now is to resume the company's more global presence. We have plans to return to the Asian continent next year, and also to the US market, which is strategic for us," Gomes revealed. Currently, in addition to Africa, the company operates long-haul flights to Perth, Australia, and is working to expand its international reach.

Differentiators in onboard service

Gomes also highlighted the attributes that solidify South African Airways as a benchmark. "The South African experience begins the moment passengers board the plane. The hospitality of the crew, the cuisine, and the South African wines offer an authentic experience," he said. He emphasized that the two-piece baggage allowance of 32 kilograms remains a major attraction and that the airline has nearly 60 years of experience in Brazil, playing a leading role in connecting with Africa.

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.