South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has reasserted its strategic expansion with the reintroduction of direct flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The new route demonstrates the airline’s commitment to developing regional logistics and trade, providing seamless freight solutions across East Africa. Through the reintroduction of this critical link, SAA Cargo aims to strengthen economic ties between South Africa and Tanzania while offering businesses reliable and efficient cargo transportation services.
Dar es Salaam, Africa’s most populous city, is the region’s main economic and logistical hub. With continued infrastructure development, the city provides SAA Cargo with a sound platform upon which to develop its services and increase connectivity for East African businesses. The resumption of this direct cargo route is aimed at facilitating the transportation of a wide range of merchandise, including fruits, precious metals, chemicals, and machinery, and deepening trade relations between the two nations.
SAA Cargo has partnered with Millennium Intertrade Africa Limited, a well-established General Sales Agent (GSA), to facilitate efficient operations in Tanzania. This partnership is central to boosting cargo service by leveraging the extensive local market experience and knowledge of Millennium Intertrade Africa. Frederic Justice Lyaruu, Managing Director at Millennium Intertrade Africa, joined the union with enthusiasm, commenting, “We are thrilled to be on board and represent South African Airways Cargo in Tanzania. We look forward to being the helping hand to ensure the airline’s prosperity and growth.”
Kekeletso Mokwena, SAA Cargo Manager, also highlighted the significance of the alliance, noting that the partnership with Millennium Intertrade Africa is most likely to increase SAA Cargo’s presence in Dar es Salaam and other key cities. He noted that Dar es Salaam is the inaugural East African destination to be included in the airline’s expanding network, a milestone in its regional growth strategy.
Overnight operations are operated by an SAA Airbus 320, which departs Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at 10:00 pm (SAST) and arrives at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam at 2:30 am (EAT). The aircraft returns from Dar es Salaam at 5:10 am (EAT) and arrives in Johannesburg at 7:55 am (SAST). This efficient timetable benefits both passenger and freight services, offering convenient travel times and seamless links between the two cities.
SAA Cargo’s growing regional route network extends further than Dar es Salaam with increased frequencies on other key African cities, including Harare, Lusaka, Lagos, Accra, Kinshasa, and Lubumbashi. The inclusion of Dar es Salaam is part of a broader strategy by the airline to embed itself deeper into East Africa, encourage logistical innovation, and enhance businesses that rely on air freight solutions.
Through strategic partnerships and the expansion of its network, SAA Cargo stands to become a leading player in Africa’s air freight business. Through investment in increased connectivity and operational efficiency, the airline is making a remarkable contribution to continental economic development, trade, and growth. With the demand for freight services continuing to rise, SAA Cargo strives to improve its services further in order to stay ahead of regional and international logistics.
