By James Wilkinson

To celebrate the airline’s 75th anniversary, South African Airways has released a range of special airfares to Africa and Europe.

A South African Airways Airbus A340-600 aircraft

South African Airways’ head of Australasia, Thevan Krishna, said the airfares start at $1475 and $1575 from Perth and Sydney to Johannesburg respectively.

“We are celebrating 75 years continuous flying next year, and Australia has played a big part in our growth and development as Africa’s leading airline,” Thevan said. “We are continuing to see strong passenger traffic on the Wallaby route with increasing focus on Africa as a recreational tourist, VFR and business destination.

The return airfares are on sale until January 30, 2009 and exclude taxes. Travel is from January 16 to March 31, 2009 and April 27 to June 30, 2009.

From Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne to Johannesburg fare is $1675 and for an additional $200, passengers from all cities can fly to Durban, Cape Town, East London or Port Elizabeth return, with other African ports available on request.

European destinations on offer include: $1875 from Perth to London, Frankfurt and Munich; $1975 from Sydney to London, Frankfurt and Munich; and $2075 from Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Passengers travelling to Europe have a free stopover in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town at no extra cost.

For bookings, call 1300 435 972 or visit www.flysaa.com