Marc Cavaliere — Executive Vice President, Americas at South African Airways

The World Cup Was A Great Success For South Africa. Has South African Airways Noticed More Recognition Due To The Event?

As South Africa’s national airline, we aim to ensure travelers enjoy not only a smooth flight but also a warm welcome to our country. In partnership with government bodies and the tourism sector, we helped prepare for the influx of visitors and focused on delivering excellent service. Many international travelers, including a significant number from the United States, chose South African Airways for their World Cup journeys and provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. We were honored to serve as the official airline to Africa for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team, and we appreciated the trust placed in us for such an important event.

Tell Our Readers About Your Business-class Product And What They Can Expect From A Flight On SAA.

Our long-haul Business Class is designed for comfort and rest. Premium Business Class offers Skytrax 5-star comfort-rated, 180-degree flatbed seats that allow passengers to sleep or relax in privacy. Meals showcase fine cuisine paired with a selection of notable South African wines, and an individual on-demand audio/video entertainment system provides a wide range of movies and music. From boarding to arrival, we strive to share the hospitality and warmth of South Africa with every guest on board.

How Has SAA’s Affiliation With Star Alliance Improved The Traveling Experience?

Joining Star Alliance has made travel more seamless for our customers. Passengers can now book journeys with smoother connections and earn frequent-flyer miles across 28 partner airlines, enhancing the value of each trip. At the same time, SAA’s extensive route network across southern Africa and the wider continent adds convenient connection options for Star Alliance members. New lounges in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town further improve comfort for travelers.

We have also expanded cooperation with other airlines through interline agreements that simplify connections. Partnerships with carriers such as JetBlue and Virgin America enable passengers to purchase a single ticket for their full itinerary and check bags through between carriers and SAA. Flights with Star Alliance partners and our interline collaborators can be booked at our official website.

What Is Your Advice For Business Travelers Looking To Travel To South Africa?

Business travelers have multiple convenient options to reach South Africa. Our nonstop service from JFK and a direct routing from Washington, D.C. (via Dakar) provide frequent, reliable choices, along with numerous connections to nearly 20 cities within South Africa and more than 25 destinations across the continent. No carrier serves southern Africa as comprehensively as we do.

Once in South Africa and the region, companies and entrepreneurs will find ample opportunities and an established environment for doing business. As the most advanced economy in Africa, South Africa hosts many regional headquarters and offers the infrastructure and services international firms need. The country is open for business, and South African Airways remains a convenient and efficient way to get there.
For more from Marc Cavaliere, watch our exclusive video interview at http://newgtsite.wpengine.com