South African Airways (SAA), has introduced a promotional fare of $311 (N46, 650) for its economy class passengers on the Lagos-Johannesburg-Lagos route to mark 11 years of flight operations in Nigeria.

Unfolding details of the anniversary promo, SAA Country Manager, Nigeria, Thobi Duma disclosed that the duration for sale of the promotional tickets is from16 of November, 2009 till 31 January, 2010 while customers who purchase tickets during the period are expected to utilize them from December 5 2009 and January 31, 2010.

According to her, as part of the celebrations, the airline has also launched an 'Instant Upgrade Fare promo', which affords passengers the opportunity to purchase applicable Business class fare to have the luxury to travel in First class in the carrier's Boeing 747-400.

"What we are doing (with the Instant Upgrade Fare promo) is to give back to Nigeria, which has become our second home in the last 11 years when we began to fly in the Nigerian airspace and particularly our esteemed passengers and frequent fliers", Duma explained.

Meanwhile, South African Airways has adopted Arrow of God Children Orphanage as one of its corporate social responsibility beneficiary in Nigeria.

Duma disclosed this during her working visit to the orphanage to explore ways in which SAA could forge a partnership with the management of the home on how to assist meet some of its pressing needs.

She said the Arrow of God Orphanage "is one project, which SAA is willing to support as a demonstration of our commitment to Nigeria. To us, one of the best ways to invest in any country is to invest in the future of its children. Nigeria has always been our home for so long".

As a demonstration of the strong resolve of the airline to assist the orphanage, an information desk has been established at SAA's corporate offices in Victoria Island, Lagos to receive donations from its numerous passengers, visitors and relevant partners.

Established 75 years ago, South African Airways launched its maiden flight in Nigeria at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on the 3rd of December 1998, after securing necessary approval from government to operate 3 flight frequencies on the Lagos-Johannesburg route.

It now operates daily frequencies between Lagos and Johannesburg using its modern Boeing 747-400 aircraft.