SAA CEO Vuyani Jarana tells CNN about the importance of connectivity between China and Africa

Dubai, UAE, March 11, 2019:  This month’s episode of Business Traveller explores the trade and travel relationship between China and Africa. Three years ago, China surpassed the United States as the biggest business travel market on the globe and now more of China’s business is being done in Africa. 

 

During the episode, CNN’s Eleni Giokos heads to Johannesburg to meet South African Airways (SAA) CEO Vuyani Jarana. 

 

The national carrier, SAA, is one of two airlines with direct flights to and from Hong Kong. Jarana explains to the programme how seamless connectivity between China and Africa has allowed for growth on the continent and is a significant strategic route.  

 

Key Quotes:

 

On air travel between China and Africa: 

“We provide the most seamless connectivity for Chinese or Asia Pacific traveller[s], businessman or traveller, who wants to go to the rest of the continent. So, we see growth, we see more of Chinese businesses in the continent.”

 

On the trade relationship between China and South Africa:

“Asia Pacific is important for South African Airways. And if you look at the trade relationships which are growing significantly, between South Africa and China, and some of the Asia Pacific countries. Hong Kong is our gateway to Asia Pacific, so it's very strategic route for us.”