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UUnited is the only airline providing nonstop service between Washington D.C. and South Africa. United offers more nonstop flights from South Africa than any other U.S. airline

CAPE TOWN, November 18, 2022 – United Airlines has launched its new nonstop three-times weekly year-round service between its Washington/Dulles hub and Cape Town International Airport, with the arrival of the first flight into Cape Town today.

 United’s new flight from Cape Town is the first-ever nonstop service between Washington D.C. and South Africa’s legislative capital, Cape Town. The new route joins United’s existing nonstop three-times weekly service from Cape Town to New York/Newark, as well as daily service from Johannesburg to New York/Newark, providing a nonstop service six-times weekly from Cape Town to the U.S.

 In addition to connecting Cape Town and South Africa’s Western Cape with Washington D.C., customers will be able to connect via United’s Washington Dulles hub to over 60 destinations across the Americas. United is the only airline providing nonstop service between Washington D.C. and South Africa, offering more nonstop flights from South Africa than any other U.S. airline.

United’s partnership with South Africa-based Airlink provides additional travel options for customers travelling from the southern cone of Africa connecting onto United’s nonstop long-haul services to the U.S.

United first launched flights from Cape Town in December 2019, and the new service to New York/Newark quickly became one of the airline’s flagship international routes. The airline later built upon this success in Africa with the launch of flights between Johannesburg and New York/Newark in June 2021, as well as new services between Accra and Washington D.C. in May 2021 and from Lagos to Washington D.C. in November 2021.

“We are excited to launch our new service between Washington D.C. and Cape Town, which builds on our industry leading network across the Atlantic” said Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President Global Network Planning and Alliances. “As the largest airline between
the U.S. and South Africa, we are proud to link our countries’ diplomatic and legislative centres and look forward to benefiting the thriving travel and tourism industries.”

"The Western Cape’s post-Covid-19 recovery continues its take off,” said Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape Government. “Our province’s lucrative tourism sector - a key economic lever to growth has been given another boost thanks to United Airlines. The launch of the airline’s non-stop service between Washington D.C. and Cape Town is another indication of the sustained surge in demand for flights to the Mother City - yet more confirmation of its status as a world-class tourist destination. Earlier this year, United expanded its three weekly non-stop flights between Cape Town International Airport and New York/Newark to year-round service. We are thrilled it has decided to spread its wings even further in the Western Cape. I would like to thank United Airlines for playing an important role, not just in reviving our economy after a turbulent few years, but also for giving the country’s aviation industry some much-needed help too. We look forward to nurturing our relationship with the airline going forward."

"The U.S. Consulate warmly welcomes United Airlines’ newest non-stop flight between Cape Town and Washington Dulles Airport,” said Todd Haskell, U.S. Consul General. “This flight will continue to enhance U.S.-South African partnerships and friendships, and increase two-way trade, investment, and tourism."

“I am delighted to welcome United Airlines’ passengers to Cape Town as they disembark from the first-ever nonstop flight service between Washington D.C. and Cape Town,” said Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor, City of Cape Town. “As the capital of the United States, this is an important flight for government and commerce. Travellers from the East Coast of the U.S. - and, indeed, all over North America - now have unprecedented access to Cape Town’s unique tourism and business offerings. Slowly but steadily, through travel options such as this flight, Cape Town is becoming a key gateway to the African continent.”

“The addition of United’s Washington/Dulles to Cape Town service, alongside their existing New York/Newark to Cape Town route, will enable the continued expansion of economic opportunities for Cape Town and the Western Cape,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro and spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access. “The United States is a key source market for tourism, trade and investment for the province. We look forward to the bumper summer season ahead, and we would like to thank United Airlines for its continued commitment to our destination.”

"The US travel market is a growing one and we are pleased about the new United Airlines route connecting Cape Town and Washington D.C.,” said Mark Maclean, Regional General Manager, Cape Town International Airport Cluster 2. “The Cape Town International Airport team continues to collaborate with airlines to offer passengers a reliable and high-quality service.  We wish the airline every success as it commences this new route."

Cape Town (CPT) to Washington/Dulles (IAD)

All times are local and are subject to change.

United’s new service from Cape Town to Washington Dulles is operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 48 all-aisle-access United Polaris^SM business suites, 21 United Premium Plus^SM premium economy, 39 Economy Plus^SM and 149 economy seats. The revolutionary design of the Dreamliner offers customers many features for increased comfort, such as large windows, spacious overhead storage and modern LED lighting to simulate a full day, helping passengers adjust their internal clock on the transatlantic flight. In addition, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and smoother ride help customers feel rested on arrival.

United Polaris business class is a premium travel experience that prioritises relaxation and comfort, featuring restaurant-quality inflight dining, premium amenity kits and full flat-bed seats.

United in South Africa

United began serving South Africa in 2019. In addition to the new three-times weekly nonstop service from Cape Town to Washington/Dulles, United offers customers from South Africa nonstop flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to New York/Newark. Flights are conveniently timed to connect at United’s hubs with an extensive network of services to destinations throughout the Americas. United customers in South Africa can book flights by visiting united.com or contacting the United Reservations on 0214268058 or their travel agent.

United in Washington Dulles

United currently operates over 200 daily flights to more than 100 destinations across the United States and around the world from its Washington Dulles hub. Washington Dulles serves as the international gateway to the U.S. capital, with United service to 19 world capitals and 26 countries.

About United

United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." From our U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers. United is bringing back our customers' favourite destinations and adding new ones on its way to becoming the world's best airline. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".

For further information:            

Kevin Johnston / Gudrun Gorner
United Airlines Europe, Middle East, Africa and India Press Office
Tel +44 (0)20 8276 6305
kevin.johnston@united.com
gudrun.gorner@united.com

united.com