Emirates, a global connector of people and places, is introducing a fourth daily flight between Dubai and Johannesburg effective Oct. 26, lifting to seven the number of daily flights to South Africa.

The addition brings Emirates’ total number of permanent flights between the two countries to 49 a week.

Operated by a B777-300ER, EK767 will depart Dubai at 11:20 p.m. and arrive at Johannesburg at 5:35a.m. the following day. The return flight, EK768 departs Johannesburg at 9:30a.m. and arrives in Dubai at 7:40 p.m. The B777-300ER features 354 seats in a three-class configuration — eight seats in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 304 in Economy Class.

“The introduction of the fourth daily service between Dubai and Johannesburg is a reflection of the growing passenger demand for flights between these two important business and tourism hubs. The increased frequency gives our customers greater flexibility in their travel plans and enhances connectivity to other flights on the Emirates’ network through the Dubai hub," says Orhan Abbas, Emirates SVP, commercial operations, Latin America, Central and Southern Africa.

“We have seen a healthy increase year-on-year in passenger numbers on the route. Johannesburg remains an important gateway for inbound traffic from the UK, the US, Germany, France, the GCC, Iraq and Perth with outbound traffic connecting to India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok, and Jordan, Qatar and Iran in the Middle East.”

Abbas said: “The increased capacity demonstrates our commitment to South Africa and our confidence in the strength of the market. With 49 weekly flights to South Africa, Emirates is well positioned to connect global businesses as well as leisure travelers to the continent’s most exuberant economy and exciting travel destination.”

Emirates and South African Airways will extend its code-share partnership to include the new service between Dubai and Johannesburg.