Nonstop Flight Begins At Spokane International Airport

	Alaska Airlines is making it easier for travelers to fly to Spokane. A daily nonstop flight from Spokane to San Diego started October 2, 2018, and will run year-round.  “Continued growth in airlift at Spokane International Airport is good news,” said TJ Hake, interim president and CEO of Visit Spokane. “Adding another nonstop flight that will be connected to Spokane provides new opportunities for tourism growth." Spokane now has a total of 17 nonstop flights to destinations nationwide. This latest flight is the fourth served by Alaska Airlines, which also has nonstops to Seattle, Portland, and Boise. Within the last year, Southwest Airlines started seasonal nonstop flights from Spokane to San Diego and year-round nonstops from San Jose and Sacramento. United Airlines added two nonstops, Spokane to San Francisco and Spokane to Chicago, American added Dallas and Delta Air Lines added nonstop service to Los Angeles and Boise. The San Diego flight: • Departs Spokane at 7:10am arrives San Diego at 9:55am • Departs San Diego at 5:40pm arrives Spokane at 8:25pm
	About Visit Spokane Visit Spokane generates economic growth for Spokane County by successfully marketing the Spokane region as a preferred destination for conventions and leisure travelers from around the world. Visitors to Spokane County spent an estimated $1.3 billion in 2017, providing jobs for more than 10,000 residents in the region.*

Global Traveler Readers Dub SAA 'Best Airline in Africa'

Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 13, 2017) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline has been selected by the readers of Global Traveler in the U.S. as the “Best Airline to Africa” for the 14th consecutive year in their annual reader survey.

The publication presented the award to SAA at a ceremony held on December 12, 2017, at The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The magazine, whose readership consists of discerning, high-frequency travelers, polls readers and reports on their preferences in its annual survey that recognizes the best in business travel. SAA’s Premium Business Class service, with its fully flatbed seats, on-demand audio-visual entertainment system in every seat, an exclusive collection of South African wines and warm African hospitality played a key role in SAA winning the award. These service attributes are complemented by SAA and its regional partners offering an extensive route network in Africa providing business travelers with many choices when traveling to, from and within the continent.

“We are grateful that the readers of Global Traveler, who are true road warriors and expect nothing short of premier experience every time they fly, recognized SAA as the Best Airline to Africa,” said Todd Neuman, Executive Vice President – North America for South African Airways. “This award, which we have received for 14 consecutive years, is proof that business travelers recognize our employee’s commitment to excellent service, both on the ground and in the air, our competitively priced fares, and our comprehensive route network throughout Africa.”

“"Congratulations to South African Airways for yet another GT Tested Reader Survey awards win. For 14 consecutive years, our readers have agreed the airline is best in Africa, a true nod to SAA's service and quality." said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler.

As the leading carrier from the U.S. to Africa, South African Airways offers the most flights with non-stop service from New York–JFK Airport to Johannesburg and daily non-stop service from Washington, DC-Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, or Accra, Ghana, with continued service to Johannesburg.

From its hub in Johannesburg, SAA together with its regional partners SA Express, Airlink and Mango offer easy, convenient connections to more than 75 destinations throughout Africa. SAA’s awarding – winning premium Business Class offers 180 fully lie-flat seating with duvet and full-size pillows, gourmet cuisine designed by renowned South African celebrity chefs, a wine cellar featuring some of South Africa’s finest vintages and extensive programming of on-demand audio and visual entertainment.

About South African Airways South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low-cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana, and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.

South African Airways Extends Group Booking Promotion

South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, has extended its special group booking promotion of offering one free tour conductor ticket* (restrictions apply) for every 10 group passengers traveling on SAA. This offer is valid for new group bookings made and deposits received by October 31, 2017, for travel from October 26 through December 9, 2017, and January 11 through March 31, 2018. Travel is applicable on SAA-operated flights from New York-JFK Airport or Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to any SAA destination in Africa. “We invite families, friends, coworkers and travel clubs to take advantage of SAA’s low group fares and this special tour conductor offer to explore and experience the wonders of Africa,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways.

“With this tremendous value, your group can experience the vibe of Africa’s cosmopolitan cities, enjoy an exhilarating game safari to view the Big Five, indulge in amazing wine and culinary delights, or spend quality time together under the majestic African skies.”

South African Airways offers the most service from the U.S. to South Africa and an extensive route network throughout the African continent. SAA’s competitive group fares and its dedicated group sales specialists are available to assist with all your group’s travel needs, including complimentary seat assignments.

SAA invites groups big or small to experience its award-winning in-flight service designed for pure comfort for long-haul travel with a roomy economy class cabin, gourmet cuisine and a selection of complimentary spirits and award-winning South African wines and, generous checked baggage allowance. Also included are individual audio / visual entertainment systems that deliver an extensive menu of first-run movies and music choices.

Via the Johannesburg hub, SAA links the world to over 75 destinations across Southern Africa and Africa’s Indian Ocean islands. To request your group quote, email GroupsNA@flysaa.com, or contact your local professional travel consultant.

Visit www.flysaa.com to learn more about the exciting destinations we service. About South African Airways South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier Mango.

In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana, and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.

*RESTRICTIONS: *Complimentary Tour Conductor tickets are subject to applicable taxes & surcharges. Complimentary Tour Conductor ticket is awarded after a group of 10 or more paying passengers. Special is valid for new bookings only. Valid for ad-hoc groups only (no series producers). Valid for travel 10/26/2017 - 12/9/2017 & 1/11/2018 – 3/31/2018. Valid for travel from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) to Africa. Entire group (including tour conductor) must travel together. Valid on SAA-operated flights only. Groups must be booked and deposited by 9/30/2017. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Change & cancellation penalties apply, per applicable group reservation and fare rules. Baggage and optional service fees may apply. Reservations made 7 days or more prior to scheduled departure may be canceled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made.

Skytrax Names SAA "Best Airline Staff In Africa'

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Jun. 21, 2017) – South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa, was honored with the “Best Airline Staff in Africa” award at the 2017 World Airline Awards held at the Paris Air Show by British aviation experts SkytraxTM. This award signifies that South African Airways has excelled in achieving a high product standard across all travel categories, including staff service delivery in both the onboard and airport environment. Earlier this year, SkytraxTM, once again, awarded SAA with the 4-Star rating for the 15th year consecutive year, following detailed service audits of SAA Premium Business and Economy Class product and service across all customer-facing categories.

SkytraxTM is known worldwide as the leading, independent research authority on airline quality and service, and the World Airline Awards are often referred to as the “the Oscars of the airline industry.” The awards are based on a consumer satisfaction survey conducted each year by SkytraxTM, giving travelers an opportunity to rate their experiences in the air and on the ground with over 200 airlines worldwide and ultimately serve as a global benchmark of airline excellence.

“We are extremely proud that SAA has been recognized by global air travelers and SkytraxTM to receive this award,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president-the Americas for South African Airways. “This is a true testament to the commitment and dedication of SAA employees throughout the world to ensure our customers enjoy a world-class experience and warm African hospitality.”

The SkytraxTM “Best Airline Staff in Africa” award takes its place among a host of other honorable recognitions which SAA has recently received including, “Best Airline in Africa” & “Best Business Class to Africa” by leading travel publications in North America, further solidifying SAA’s position as Africa’s most awarded airline.

For reservations and information, customers should visit www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways at 1-(800) 722-9675.

About South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.

South African Airways Named 'Best Airline In Africa'

Fort Lauderdale, FL (July 13, 2016) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, has been named, “Best Airline in Africa” by Skytrax for the fourteenth consecutive year.  The award was presented to SAA at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony during the annual Farnborough Airshow in England on July 11^th. 

These prestigious awards are based on a consumer satisfaction survey that is conducted annually by Skytrax, an independent aviation research organization, which received 19.2 million entries from business and leisure travelers around the globe.  The online survey is open from August 2015 through May 2016, giving travellers and opportunity to rate their experience, both in the air and on the ground, and includes more than 200 airlines from the largest international carriers to smaller regional and domestic carriers.  It measure customer satisfaction across 41 key performance indicators of airline front-line products and service including; check-in, boarding, on-board seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, cuisine, beverages, inflight entertainment and staff service.

“We are rightfully excited and proud to have won the Skytrax Award as, Best Airline in Africa, for the fourteenth consecutive year, which demonstrates that SAA is still one of the foremost airlines in the world and a leader on the African continent,” said Musa Zwane, Acting Chief Executive Officer for South African Airways.  “Awards are important as they instil a sense of pride from our employees and customers alike.  This award is based on customer feedback, which sets SAA securely on course to reach its strategic objective of providing Excellent Customer Service”.

Commenting on the award, Edward Plaisted, Chief Executive Officer of Skytrax said, “Air travellers continue to recognize the excellent passenger experience that South African Airways delivers across domestic, regional and long-haul flights. The award for Best Airline in Africa is a great reward for staff and management at SAA, who should be proud of this fantastic achievement after a more than a decade as Africa’s best airline”.

In North America, South African Airways is consistently honoured with awards from leading travel publications as, “Best Airline to Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa”.  On-board, SAA provides an inflight experience designed for pure comfort for long-haul travel. Our customers enjoy fully-flat seats in Premium Business Class, industry-leading legroom in Economy Class, gourmet cuisine and a selection of complimentary spirits and award-winning South African wines and generous checked baggage allowance. Also included are individual audio / visual entertainment systems that deliver an extensive menu of first-run movies and music choices.    Via our Johannesburg hub, SAA along with our regional airline partners, link the world to over 75 destinations across Southern Africa and Africa’s Indian Ocean islands.

For information www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways’ Reservations at 1-(800) 722-9675.

About South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves 74 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has codes share agreements with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, which offer convenient connections from more than 30 cities to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 14 consecutive years.

SAA: Africa On Sale For Spring/Summer Travel Season

 Great low fares from Washington, DC & New York to select destinations in Africa from $939.00 * (restrictions apply)

Fort Lauderdale, FL (March 24, 2016) - South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline announces new low fares to select destinations throughout Africa for the spring and late-summer travel seasons.  Sale fares start at $939.00 * round-trip (restrictions apply) from Washington, DC-Dulles to Accra, Ghana and from  New York-JFK to Johannesburg, South Africa starting at $1,149.00* round-trip (restrictions apply).  Fares are available for purchase through March 31, 2016, for travel from April 1 - May 31, 2016 and August 11 – September 12, 2016.

SAA is also offering sale fares to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and East London in South Africa.  These fares are also available at slightly higher levels from originations in other U.S. cities including;  Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.

“With these low sale fares, now is a great time to plan a vacation of a lifetime to Africa or to fly home to visit family and friends,” said Marc Cavaliere, executive vice president, the Americas for South African Airways.  South Africa, in particular, has been named as one of the most affordable places in the world to visit in 2016, with the extremely favourable exchange rate to the U.S. Dollar.   There is no better, faster or more affordable time to fly to South Africa or explore the African continent than with SAA.”

South African Airways is one of the world’s most awarded airlines, having been honored as “Best Airline in Africa” for 13 consecutive years by Skytrax.  On-board, SAA provides an inflight experience designed for pure comfort for long-haul travel. Our customers enjoy fully-flat seats in Premium Business Class, industry-leading legroom in Economy Class, gourmet cuisine and a selection of complimentary spirits and award-winning South African wines and generous checked baggage allowance. Also included are individual audio / visual entertainment systems that deliver an extensive menu of first-run movies and music choices.    Via our Johannesburg hub, SAA links the world to dozens of cities and destinations across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.

Other low fares are also available to many other destinations throughout SAA’s extensive route network on the African continent for similar travel periods.  For additional information and reservations, travelers should visit www.flysaa.com , call SAA Reservations at 1-(800) 722-9675 or call their professional travel consultant.

About South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves 74 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has codes share agreements with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, which offer convenient connections from more than 30 cities to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 14 consecutive years.

Terms & Conditions

*Restrictions:  Fares are per person and valid for round-trip travel and include government and airline imposed taxes and fees.  Valid for travel between 4/1/20016-5/31/2016 & 8/11/2016-/9/12/2016.  The $939.00* fare is valid for travel from Washington, DC-Dulles Airport (IAD) to Accra, Ghana (ACC).  The $1,149.00* fare is valid from New York-JFK Airport  (JFK) to Johannesburg, South Africa. Minimum stay: Must stay over one Sunday for fares to apply.  Tickets must be purchased within 72 hours of reservation being made or by March 31, 2016.  Seats at these fares are limited and may not be available on all flights or dates.  Cancellations before / after departure:  fares and fuel surcharge (YR / YQ / Q) are non-refundable.  Date change fee: $300.00, plus any applicable fare difference. Administrative fees may also apply.  Baggage and optional services may apply.  Reservations made 7 days or more prior to scheduled departure may be cancelled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservations is made.