Cape Town Air Access, the air route development project for Cape Town and the Western Cape, has landed 15 new routes and 20 expansions since its inception in 2015. As part of its mandate, Cape Town Air Access, housed within Wesgro, is in regular communication with a number of airlines on potential new routes, airlines such as Virgin Atlantic.
There was a perception created during a recent SATSA conference that Wesgro is in formal talks with Virgin Atlantic, but this is incorrect. There are currently no discussions taking place with the airline on a direct London route.
Cape Town Air Access apologises for the confusion caused.
Tim Harris, CEO Wesgro, told delegates at the SATSA Conference in KwaZulu Natal on 10 July, that the agency is also in talks with Norwegian Airlines about the possibility to introduce a London Gatwick – Cape Town route in the near future.
Harris explained that cities and regions that are well-connected will do well in the future. He said: “It’s all driven by consumer choice, and consumers demand to fly point to point. Visitors want to get to Cape Town with one flight.”
Air Access is vitally important, said also Bradley Bouwer. He explained that London to Cape town is currently the third largest route and is currently serviced by British Airways.
According to statistics Bouwer showed delegates at the SATSA Conference, total seat capacity between South African and international destinations on direct routes has grown by 2.8% between 2013 and 2019.