South African Airways (SAA) announced today that it has dramatically improved the airport experience for travelers by moving to the new Terminal B at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Whether travelers are connecting to international or domestic destinations, all SAA flights, including those operated by Airlink and South African Express, now operate from the same terminal, making the airport experience seamless, quick and convenient. Previously, SAA international flights arrived into the International Terminal, requiring connecting passengers to walk to the Domestic Terminal for connections to cities such as Cape Town. The newly combined operations will result in greater operational efficiencies, and will reduce the time spent transferring from one flight to the other, giving travelers more time to enjoy the shops and restaurants featured in the new terminal before they board their SAA flight.

“The move to Terminal B poses a significant advantage for SAA’s customers. Aside from the obvious advantage of the newly simplified transfer process through one central terminal, there is also the advantage of moving through spaces that are more modern, airy and aesthetically pleasing,” said Marc Cavaliere, executive vice president, North America, for South African Airways. “At SAA, we endeavor to improve and enhance the traveler’s experience in order to solidify SAA’s position as the fastest, most comfortable and most convenient way to more of Africa.”

South African Airways is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2009, having been founded in February 1934, and since then has led the way in offering world-class service from Africa to the world. This attention to service throughout the years has resulted in the airline consistently being named “Best Airline” and “Best Business Class” to Africa by numerous travel experts and publications. Today, it is poised to continue this tradition of excellence by continuously enhancing its product offering, including non-stop service from New York JFK to Johannesburg, commencing May 1st.

South African Airways features the only nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with daily departures from either Washington, D.C. (until April 30th, with a stop in Dakar commencing May 1), and direct service from New York (operating non stop effective May 1) that offer travel convenience and award-winning service. Travelers in premium class enjoy 180° fully flat-bed seats, and in economy class enjoy the most legroom versus competitors. Every seat on board offers an individual on-demand entertainment system, plush pillow, warm blanket and amenity kit.

SAA’s unrivaled network, featuring seamless connections to more than 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 20 cities across the rest of the continent, makes the airline the savvy traveler’s “gateway to Africa.” To complement this network, a world of privileges awaits those who join Voyager, South African Airways’ premier mileage program. To sign up, visit www.flysaa.com, and link to the Voyager icon. As a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer its customers 912 destinations in 159 countries and more than 16,500 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in the U.S. through code share service with Star Alliance member United Airlines.  Members of United’s Mileage Plus, US Airways’ Dividend Miles and Air Canada’s Aeroplan programs are able to earn and redeem miles on all SAA flights.