TPConnects’ Iris platform enables travel agencies to access NDC content alongside traditional EDIFACT, LCC, and aggregator content through a single, unified interface. This comprehensive solution ensures seamless shopping and servicing of air content, enabling travel sellers to offer the best available fares and products to their clients.

The integration announcement marks a significant milestone as Flight Centre Travel Group implements Iris for FlySafair bookings for its corporate & leisure business.

Key features of the FlySafair integration include: 

1. Access to FlySafair’s full range of fare products and services 
2. Real-time pricing and availability
3. Seamless booking and servicing capabilities 

“This partnership with TPConnects represents a significant step forward in our distribution strategy,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer, FlySafair. “By making our content available through the Iris platform, we’re expanding our reach in the corporate and Leisure travel sector while ensuring our products are easily accessible to travel partners worldwide.”

“The integration of FlySafair into our Iris platform marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide the best available content to our customers.” commented Eric Dumas, CEO, TPConnects Technologies. “By bringing FlySafair’s network and competitive fares onto Iris, we’re not only expanding low-cost carrier distribution in South Africa but also enabling seamless access for travel businesses across both corporate and leisure sectors.

Sue Garrett, GM Supply and Distribution, Flight Centre Travel Group, added, “This integration enhances our ability to serve our corporate and leisure customers with a wider range of travel options. The addition of FlySafair’s content to the Iris platform strengthens our offering in the important South African market and demonstrates our commitment to providing comprehensive travel solutions to our customers.”

The Iris platform continues to expand its global presence, incorporating NDC and LCC content from leading carriers worldwide. This growth enables TPConnects to better serve travel sellers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, offering enhanced retailing capabilities, rich content access, and comprehensive end-to-end servicing options. 

About TPConnects 

TPConnects Technologies is an IATA-certified, global travel content aggregation and distribution technology company. TPConnects provides modern air retailing products that transform content distribution for airlines and travel sellers, through swift, seamless and smart solutions. TPConnects helps travel industry players streamline their operations, increase revenues, and enhance the customer experience. 

TPConnects is granted Airline Retailing Maturity status under International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airline Retailing Maturity (ARM) programme and received IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) Certification. 

For more information about TPConnects, please visit www.tpconnects.com. 

Follow TPConnects on LinkedIn for company information and career postings.  

For media inquiries, please contact:  

marketing@tpconnects.com  

About FlySafair 

FlySafair, Southern Africa’s leading low-cost carrier and proud Trusted Domestic Carrier for the National Rigby and Cricket Teams, the Springboks and the Proteas. As the second largest airline on the African continent, FlySafair offers budget-friendly fares for domestic travel between nine destinations. FlySafair also operates five international routes, connecting South Africa with our African. FlySafair was ranked most on-time airline in the Africa and Middle East by Cirium for 2024.

About Flight Centre Travel Group

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.85 billion and a current share price of AU$17.36 as of 18 February 2025. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.

This strategic expansion in air access is anticipated to significantly stimulate tourism, capitalising on South Africa’s diverse attractions that range from stunning beaches and cosmopolitan urban centres to wildlife-rich savannahs and fruitful vineyards. The new route promises a more streamlined and time-efficient travel experience and positions South Africa as a more attractive destination for a broader range of travellers eager to explore the multifaceted beauty of the rainbow nation in a single journey.

“FlySafair’s new Cape Town to Kruger route is a blessing for inbound tourism in South Africa. With Cape Town’s international two-way passenger figures soaring to 1.4 million in the first half of 2023 alone, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and the Kruger Park attracting around 4 million visitors last year, it’s clear that these destinations hold a special place on the global travel map,” comments David Frost, SATSA CEO.

Euan McNeil, MD of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, agrees and anticipates the positive impact of this exciting new introduction:

“Until now, connectivity between these two popular locations has been limited. The introduction of FlySafair’s new route will draw more travellers to both regions, as well as the nearby Cape Winelands. The route is especially good news for multigenerational travellers, offering access to various encounters catering to different ages and preferences. The industry is bridging gaps not just geographically but across generations, too.”

The route offers convenience and enriches the travel narrative by linking the contrasting experiences of urban sophistication and natural wilderness – a rare and highly valued combination in the world of travel.

“This new flight route is a game-changer and a fantastic addition to FlySafair’s already impressive network. It seamlessly connects two of the most coveted travel experiences in South Africa. Visitors no longer have to choose between the urban charm of Cape Town or the raw wilderness of the Kruger Park – they can effortlessly enjoy both. The route significantly contributes to creating an interconnected South African travel experience and is certain to escalate our position in the global tourism arena,” says Murray Gardiner, GILTEDGE CEO.

The inaugural flight for this route will make use of FlySafair’s Boeing 737-800. Tickets will start at R1851 one way, with flights leaving Cape Town at 09h00 every Tuesday and Saturday and landing at the Kruger Park around 11h30. The aircraft will then be turned around, taking off from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport at 12h05 and landing back in Cape Town at approximately 14h50.

“In addition to enhancing accessibility to the Kruger National Park for residents of the Western Cape, this new route by FlySafair promotes inter-provincial exploration, encouraging tourists to discover a plethora of hidden gems and world-class experiences across South Africa. It’s about inspiring travellers to linger longer and indulge in varied combo travel experiences combining the unique offerings of various provinces,” says Frost.

“Furthermore, this initiative underscores our emphasis on inclusive growth in the tourism sector. We’re committed to ensuring the benefits of increased tourism are spread across communities, particularly focusing on empowering local businesses and historically marginalised groups to partake in the tourism value chain. This route is more than a convenience; it’s a strategic step towards a more interconnected and inclusive South African travel experience,” Frost concludes.

As South Africa continues to emerge as a leading travel destination, the introduction of routes such as this is a testament to the country’s growing appeal and the tourism sector’s resilience and innovation. Watch this space – the journey is just beginning.

Please feel free to reach out to Kim Taylor at kim@bigambitions.co.za for any media queries or should you require any additional assets.

Until now, getting to the island destination involved taking charter flights or flying into Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi and transferring from there. However, with the introduction of FlySafair’s new weekly flight, it is back on the map as an attractive destination for South African travellers.

“Zanzibar is now within reach for many more South Africans, thanks to this direct, convenient and affordable flight option. We believe this route will become a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to other Indian Ocean destinations, just as it was when Mango Airlines operated their popular route from Johannesburg to Zanzibar,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre.

According to Turner, Zanzibar is generally more affordable as a destination compared to Mauritius, although this can vary based on the type of accommodation you choose.

“Flight Centre experienced a surge in demand for Tanzania as a travel destination between July to November 2022. With the availability of new flight options, we are excited to provide Flight Centre customers with exciting deals with our partners in 2023,” says Turner.

FlySafair has confirmed that the high demand for chartered flights to Zanzibar was the primary factor that motivated them to add this route to their schedule. The new direct route offers similar time savings, but is more affordable.

The new FlySafair service to Zanzibar was announced on March 13. Bookings for the route, which connects OR Tambo (JNB) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar will commence on April 8. The flights will initially operate once a week, with a same-day return. FlySafair has scheduled the weekly flight for Saturdays, and airfares will start from R2 950 one way.

“The timing of this new route is perfect, as it provides South African holidaymakers with more options to enjoy their Easter break and plan ahead for the winter holidays. Data analysis indicates that the months of March and April experience peak levels of occupancy with the highest number of room nights booked and we predict families with school-going children will also take advantage of the packages we will offer for June and July,” remarks Turner.

The most popular properties in Zanzibar for South Africans, according to Flight Centre, are Uroa Bay Beach Resort, Paradise Beach Resort & Spa and Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa on the east coast; Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Hotel on the west coast; and Hotel Riu Jambo in the north of the island.

Turner has the following recommendations for those looking to book for the Easter break or beyond, all of which have all-inclusive options:

• The reasonably-priced Uroa Bay Beach Resort allows you to fully enjoy all that Zanzibar has to offer as a group or family. Opting for a half-board package can come in handy if you plan to venture out of your resort and explore, as it enables you to have quick, on-the-go lunches without feeling obligated to return to eat.
• For honeymooners, the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Hotel, which offers an all-inclusive package along with a range of amazing activities, is ideal. The resort’s scenic beauty also makes for some stunning photographs that honeymooners can take back as souvenirs for their families. Further north, the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Jambo is another stunning option for couples and families.
• If you’re looking for a diverse range of experiences, Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa and Paradise Beach Resort & Spa are great options to consider. As they are sister resorts, travellers can easily switch between the two for meals and activities with prior arrangements.

For more information about Flight Centre, or to interview Flight Centre South Africa GM Antoinette Turner, call Kim Taylor on 076 825 5508 or kim@bigambitions.co.za.