Earlier this year, both Delta and United announced that they wanted to add long haul flights from the USA to Cape Town with six weekly flights split between them.

Originally, only four weekly slots were available for the new service from the USA to Cape Town, with Delta and United each requesting three. South Africa has made two additional slots available.

The bilateral agreement between the United States and South Africa limits the number of flights that can operate between the two countries, and there was only room for up to four additional weekly frequencies.

So both Delta and United had to plead their case with the US Department of Transportation (DOT), as to why they should be granted permission to operate these flights. Both airlines were at loggerheads with each other over this.

The DOT had to decide whether one airline should get all the slots, or whether the slots should be split between both airlines and was in communication with counterparts in South Africa, seeking to negotiate an exchange of extra-bilateral opportunities.

The requests from both airlines were due to the increase in demand for passenger services to South Africa. Now both Delta and United have now been given a larger piece of the pie.

United Airlines President Brett Hart had this to say:

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Department of Transportation, as well as the numerous government and community leaders, airports, customers and employees who supported this application, for recognising the tremendous benefits to tourism, commerce, and diplomacy that a direct link between Cape Town and Washington DC provides. United has steadily grown its flight offerings to South Africa and across the continent. These new direct flights will promote competition and provide affordable and consistent service to Africa for U.S. travellers.”

United Airlines will commence ticket sales shortly and will be using a B787-9, with the service starting on November 17th and operating from Newark and New Dulles airports, both in Washington, to Cape Town three times a week.

Delta plans to utilise an A350-900 on the route from its Atlanta (ATL) hub and operate nonstop. This is the proposed schedule launching on November 18th.

Depart Atlanta (ATL) – 8:45PM, Arrive Cape Town (CPT) – 6:45PM+1 day

Depart Cape Town (CPT) – 9:00PM, Arrive Atlanta (ATL) – 6:25AM+1 day

The winner is…well, both Delta and United and of course Cape Town.

South African authorities have until August 15, 2022, to officially authorise this.