South African Airways proudly flies President Zuma back home from New York
JOHANNESBURG. 23 September 2016. The crew and passengers of South African Airways (SAA) flight SA204 which landed from New York this morning burst with pride on the eve of National Heritage Day as the airline welcomed the country’s First Citizen, President Jacob Zuma, back on board one of its commercial flights from New York.
President Zuma departed for New York on an SAA flight on 16 September to attend the United Nations General Assembly and issued a statement upon his arrival in New York expressing satisfaction about the excellent service and restful journey. The return flight on SA204 was no different.
“SAA is honoured to have had the President fly with us to the United States and back and regards this as one of the highest endorsements our product and service offerings have received from the Number One citizen of the country.
“His presence on board was especially significant to us as the national carrier on the eve of National Heritage Day which is celebrated countrywide tomorrow 24 September,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.
The senior purser on board the flight Siqalo Ntshikila said: “The President was pleased and impressed with the flight and service. We had an A-crew and I told the President that we especially appreciated the fact that he made us feel so comfortable around him. He was not fussy and a truly humble man.
“His presence on board also did not inconvenience any of the other customers.”
The commander of the flight Captain Neil Parkinson, who has been flying for 29 years for SAA, confirmed that the flight went smoothly. He was ably assisted by First Officer Christo Fick, Captain Johnny Night and Captain Louis van Wyk in the cockpit.
“We look forward to seeing President Zuma on board again to experience our world class service and hospitality,” said Tlali.
SAA operates two flights daily from Johannesburg to two destinations in the United States, namely, Washington DC and New York City, New York.
The President has encouraged others to use the national carrier, as the country marks Tourism Month.
About South African Airways:
South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 74 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the 'Best Airline in Africa’ Award in the regional category for fourteen consecutive years and the winner of ‘Best Airline staff in Africa’ for four years. SAA has been named the coolest domestic airline at the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards.
For media information, please contact:
SAA Spokesperson
Tlali Tlali
Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
Mobile:+27 82 333 3880
Office: +27 11 978 2298
Web: www.flysaa.com
Switchboard: +27 11 978 1000