United Airlines launches direct flights to Cape Town.

On the 17th of November, United Airlines launched flights between Washington DC (IAD, United States) and Cape Town (CPT, South Africa.) The flights will be operated three times weekly using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This new service will be operated concurrently with the Newark/New York service that is already flying three times per week to Cape Town.

The United States has historically been Cape Town’s third largest international market, based on two-way passenger volumes. Washington DC to Cape Town was the largest route between the U.S. and Cape Town without nonstop service and Washington is home to the fifth largest South-African-born population.

Wesgro CEO and the Official Spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, Wrenelle Stander, said: “The addition of United’s Washington, Dulles – Cape Town service alongside their existing Newark – Cape Town route will enable the continued expansion of economic opportunities for Cape Town and the Western Cape. The United States is a key source market for tourism, trade and investment for the province. We look forward to the bumper summer season ahead, and we would like to thank United Airlines for its continued commitment to our destination.”