Simangele Legodi7 November 2024 | 12:00
Air France-KLM boosts SA connection with even more in-flight Wi-Fi access
The airline recently revealed it would amp up leisure by providing a 'ground-like experience' for all travelers aboard aircraft with an ultra-high-speed broadband service Wi-Fi service from 2025.
Passengers will be able to play video games online, see live news around the world, stay in touch with friends and family, and stream TV shows, movies, and TV shows while in flight. Picture credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - Setting the bar sky-high for Air France-KLM is a consistent theme their passengers can expect next year, with uninterrupted Wi-Fi set to take off in 2025.
At a media briefing on Thursday, the airline revealed it would amp up leisure by providing a "ground-like experience" for all travelers aboard aircraft with an ultra-high-speed broadband Wi-Fi service.
Eventually, all of the airline's aircraft will have this Wi-Fi service instead of the current one.
A firm favourite destination for thousands of South African travellers, Air France-KLM Southern Africa country manager, Wilson Tauro, emphasised the significance of making travel between Paris and Mzansi even smoother after 71 years.
"Thousands of South African tourists visit France every year because of its rich history, cuisine, and artwork. Similarly, the Netherlands has long been a favorite destination for both business and leisure travelers. Air France-KLM is the airline of choice for South Africans who want to travel the world because of its smooth connection to more than 300 destinations worldwide through its dual hubs in Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.
"We are pleased with our expanding presence in South Africa and look forward to providing our customers with the best that Air France-KLM has to offer," he said.
The resumption of seasonal flights between Cape Town and Paris, which will provide passengers greater flexibility during the busy winter months, was also revealed.
"The increasing demand for Cape Town as a top travel and business destination is what we are addressing. We are giving South Africans even more chances to connect with Europe and beyond by resuming our seasonal flights," Tauro added.
And, in order to meet the increasing demand over the holiday season, Air France has added four weekly flights between Paris and Cape Town.
Air France-KLM said it was preparing for a busy 2025, with expections of continued market growth in South Africa. With more direct flights between Cape Town and Amsterdam, increased Wi-Fi availability on KLM flights, and a renewed focus on environmentally-friendly travel, the airline boasted it was in a good position to satisfy the demands of the expanding travel and tourism sector in South Africa.
"For Air France-KLM in South Africa, 2024 has been a transformative year, and it's only the beginning. We can't wait to build on this momentum by giving our passengers even more options and value," Tauro said.
For a snapshot into the past 71 years of travel between Paris and Johannesburg, the public can view Air France-KLM's free exhibition, "Decades of Connection". The exhibition explores Air France's history from its founding in 1933, features a collection of old photos, advertisements, and crew uniforms from the years, as well as iconic onboard items and travel memorabilia.
Anyone can view the display at the Alliance Française Johannesburg office from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 until 29 November.