SAA has confirmed that it will introduce direct flights to Beijing, China, starting in January, Tourism Update reports.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart from Johannesburg on January 31.

The flights are available from today for reservations in the global distribution system and via SAA's website.

SAA will operate the route three times a week using an A340-600, which has the capacity to operate the route all year with no passenger payload restrictions. Flying time between Johannesburg and Beijing takes an average of 15 hours.

Flights will depart Johannesburg at 08h00 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Beijing at 04h40 the following day. The return service will depart Beijing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 06h40, arriving in Johannesburg at 15h40 the following day.

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