SOUTH African start-up carrier African Star Airways is due to launch three weekly flights from Johannesburg to Gatwick next month.
The airline, which promotes itself as being owned and operated by black investors, will use ex-Singapore Airlines Boeing 747s for the UK services. A Gatwick spokeswoman confirmed a September start date and the thrice-weekly frequency.
No carrier currently serves South Africa from Gatwick. South African Airways, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly to the country from Heathrow. African Star, which has yet to agree any joint deals with European carriers, is also due to launch four weekly flights from Johannesburg to Munich this winter.