Lufthansa Inaugurates New Flights from Munich to Johannesburg with A350

MUNICH- German flag carrier, Lufthansa (LH) has resumed its direct, nonstop route between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg, and Munich (MUC) after a 17-year hiatus, with the first flight departing on September 3.

The Airbus A350-900 landed at 06:45 and took off again at 08:20 for Munich. Cologne-based carrier will operate three weekly flights from OR Tambo, with day departures to Munich, while return flights from Munich will be night flights.

Photo: Lufthansa

Lufthansa Munich to Johannesburg Flight

Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter highlighted the strategic timing of the night flights, allowing passengers arriving at OR Tambo to connect to destinations across South Africa and Southern Africa by the end of the day. From Munich, travelers have same-evening connections to major European cities like Frankfurt, Madrid, and Budapest.

Munich, Germany’s third-largest city and the capital of Bavaria, serves as a hub for numerous industries including automotive, engineering, fashion, and insurance.

Ritter noted that the new flight connection between Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, and Bavaria strengthens ties between the two regions with significant German business interests.

Gauteng hosts many German automotive manufacturers among the 600 German companies operating in the country.

Ritter added that the new route will enhance travel, tourism, and cargo transport, particularly for critical automotive spare parts already flown into South Africa as needed.

The service will run year-round, with flights from Johannesburg scheduled every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday morning.

Photo: Lufthansa

Complementing Frankfurt 747-8 Flight

Lufthansa’s new Munich route complements its existing daily service to Frankfurt, offering passengers the flexibility to combine both routes at the same price, said Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter.

The announcement was made at OR Tambo International Airport’s international departure gate A18, where passengers boarded the inaugural flight to Munich.

A Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 from Frankfurt landed during the event, underscoring the airline’s expanded presence in the region.

The Munich flights will use the Airbus A350-900, a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that seats up to 293 passengers in business, premium economy, and economy classes. The flights land at Munich Airport at 18:50, with a flight duration of ten-and-a-half hours, making it one of the shortest routes to Western Europe.

Lufthansa aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Ritter emphasized that new aircraft are a key factor in reducing CO2 emissions.

Lufthansa plans to invest €2.5 billion in new products and services by 2025, with an additional €100 million allocated annually to enhance ground and onboard services.

The aviation industry faces low average yields and rising costs, prompting Lufthansa to initiate a future program to strengthen its financial performance. Ritter stated that the airline’s goal is to invest in new aircraft, seats—including the new Lufthansa Allegris seats—lounges, and digital services.

The program aims to improve Lufthansa’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin to 8% by 2028.

Photo: Lufthansa

ACSA Welcomed Lufthansa

Airports Company of South Africa Limited (ACSA) has welcomed the return of Lufthansa’s direct route between Munich and Johannesburg, which will significantly increase seat availability for travelers between Germany and South Africa.

ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu stated that the nonstop connection will enhance bilateral trade, create jobs, and contribute to the economic prosperity of both regions.

This route will also strengthen South Africa’s role in the global aviation network, with Lufthansa serving as a key partner in advancing the aviation landscape at OR Tambo International Airport.

ACSA is constructing a new air cargo facility at OR Tambo International Airport to enhance its cargo capacity.

The facility aims to boost imports and exports of high-value goods, including automotive spare parts, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. This high-technology cargo hub will support the growing demand for efficient cargo solutions, bolstering the economic impact of the new Munich-Johannesburg route.

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