SAA deploys bigger planes for busy routes

SA Airways (SAA) will deploy bigger aircraft to fly to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town and East London, it said in a statement.

The number of people wanting to travel on these routes had increased, said spokesman Tlali Tlali.

"The beginning of the festive season coincided with school holidays and most people tend to travel to go on vacation," he said.

"We have seen a spike in demand for seats and have consequently decided to deploy more capacity to accommodate as many passengers as possible."

The airline operates daily flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and Johannesburg and East London.

"The frequencies on these routes will remain the same. What has changed, is that we have deployed bigger aircraft on specific days, thus increasing capacity and enabling us to meet the demand," said Tlali.

He said special flight arrangements had been made for the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela, in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on Sunday.

The government had organised a charter service for its guests.

"[We] would like to clarify that the special air transport arrangements to the funeral service of former president Nelson Mandela are handled through a separate mechanism," said Tlali.