Thai Airways and South African Airways Return to Perth

In an exciting turn of events, both Thai Airways and South African Airways (SAA) have announced their grand comeback to Perth, signalling a positive rebound for international travel in the post-pandemic era. Commencing from March 31, Thai Airways will be resuming daily flights between Perth and Bangkok, providing the only direct connection on this route until Jetstar enters the scene later in the year. 

For the Perth-Johannesburg route, SAA takes the lead with three weekly flights starting April 28. 2024. Flight SA280 will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, offering the only direct link between the two cities. SAA’s return to Perth comes after a three-year hiatus, with the airline opting for an Airbus A340-300 during the initial phase, accommodating 253 passengers in a two-class layout. 

Thai Airways, on the other hand, will utilise a Boeing 787 Dreamliner for its seven hour journey between Bangkok and Perth. The daily flights, starting at the end of March, promise a modern travel experience with a 2-2-2 layout in Business Class and 3-3-3 in Economy. Notably, Thai Airways return marks the sole direct flight on the Bangkok-Perth route, outshining other carriers that require layovers at their respective hubs. 

As both Star Alliance members, Thai Airways and SAA will make use of the Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand lounges in Perth, adding an extra layer of comfort for passengers. Thai Airways and South African Airways also codeshare with Lufthansa allowing accessible airfares around the world.The strategic move by Thai Airways aligns perfectly with the growing demand for international connectivity, especially as the aviation industry embraces the opportunities presented in the post-pandemic landscape. 

The return of South African Airways to Perth has been met with enthusiasm, with Kate Holsgrove, Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, expressing excitement about the prospect of rebuilding daily flights with SAA after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The reintroduction of the route comes amidst a broader trend of airlines reopening old favourites and exploring new routes in the wake of the pandemic.

The announcement of these resumptions adds to the positive momentum in Perth’s air travel scene, with Qantas launching Sydney-Perth-Paris flights in July 2024 and Singapore Airlines taking over the former Qantas lounge at Perth Airport’s T1 international terminal.

The return of Thai Airways and South African Airways to Perth not only marks a significant milestone for these airlines but also contributes to the revitalisation of international air travel, fostering connections between continents and providing travellers with more options for seamless journeys. Bookings are already open, so for those eager to embark on their Round the World journeys, get in touch with an Airfare Specialist today! Alternatively, visit our deals page with the latest Round the World airfares currently available.