16 April, 2003, JOHANNESBURG: Because of the low demands for seats, South African Airways (SAA) will not fly to and from Hong Kong on Thursdays and Fridays in May and June. During April, SAA will still fly to the Asian city five times a week,
During May and June, SAA will fly to Hong Kong only on Sundays, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The low demands for seats can be attributed to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) disease and other factors such as seasonal travel patterns and the war in Iraq.
The affected flights from 1 May are SA286 from Johannesburg to Hong Kong and SA287 from Hong Kong to Johannesburg. This is a temporary measure. Flights will resume as the demand for seats picks up.
Passengers wanting to cancel or re-book their flights to and from Hong Kong during the week will not be penalised but are subject to certain conditions. However, passengers must book their tickets before May 31 and travel before December 31, 2003.
SAA is working together with health officials and monitoring the situation in Hong Kong. Pilots and flight attendants have been briefed on identifying the symptoms of SARS and how to deal with it.
During April, SAA will still fly to Hong Kong five times a week, on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as SA286 and returns as SA287 departing 23h50 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and arrives in Johannesburg at 07h00
For any enquiries regarding Hong Kong flights passengers must call (011) 978-1111
——-