Yemenia inaugurates offices in Johannesburg and Dar Al-Salaam [Archives:2004/727/Community]
April 8 2004
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Yemenia Airlines inaugurated last Saturday and Sunday new routes to Johannesburg and Dar Al-Salaam, in South Africa and Tanzania, respectively, within the frame to re-open the two routes suspended in February 2000.
Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Al-Kibsi, Director-General of Administration Affairs, inaugurated the new office by cutting the tape, officially commencing the official opening of Yemenia office at Dar Al-Salaam following the arrival of the plane, while the Yemeni plane continued its flight to Johannesburg.
A big celebration was held on Johannesburg on the occasion of the inauguration of Yemenia office, attended by a large number of representatives of the Arab diplomatic corps, Arab and Islamic communities and travel agencies in the city.
The Director-General, in his speech, emphasized the importance of the development of economic, commercial and social relations between two great nations, Yemen and the Republic of South Africa. He pointed out that Yemenia Airlines sees a lot of potential for investment cooperation including in the field of tourism, and thus has decided to operate two weekly flights to Johannesburg.
Yemeni Ambassador to Pretoria, H.E. Mohamed Muharum, cited the continuous development of bilateral relations between Yemen and South Africa. He also congratulated Yemenia Airlines for this accomplishment.
The new Yemeni route, to Dar Al-Salaam and Johannesburg, also stops at the capital of Comoro, Morune, considering Yemenia is the national airline of Comoro.
The re-opening of the route to Johannesburg received a wide welcome, especially from the Arab and Muslim community there. 150 passengers left Johannesburg via Yemenia Airlines on board its second flight in their travel plan, including transit passengers to Saudi for Omrah (half pilgrimage), and nearly 50 passengers headed to France and the UK from Morunie airport.
Yemenia Airlines earlier held a celebration to mark this occasion at Sana'a International Airport. Mr. Abdullah Al-Kibsi, on behalf of Captain Abdul Khaleq Al-Qadhy, CEO of Yemeni Airlines, confirmed the intention of Yemenia to expand its routes, especially to Africa, considering Africa is an important commercial and economic partner for Yemen. He pointed out that Yemen intends to operate to Dacca, Bangladesh and Istanbul and after the arrival of newly purchased aircraft. The expansion plans will include flights to China and an increased number of flights to Europe in modern planes, including Boeing 737(800) and the new Airbus 335.
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