The first non-stop flight between Cape Town and the USA is expected to be launched in December, boosting tourism and creating close to 900 jobs in its first year of operation.
The Cape Town Air Access initiative has welcomed the announcement by United Airlines.
It will operate between Cape Town International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, New York.
Western Cape investment agency Wesgro says if approved by the US Department of Transportation, United’s service between New York and Cape Town will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
It can carry more than 200 passengers.
Wesgro says the announcement is a game-changer for the province, linking the Cape to the important North American market.
It will not only boost tourism, but also grow cargo and attract even more business from US companies.
Eight international airlines currently land in Cape Town.
