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LATAM Airlines' officially launched its new non-stop service between Cape Town and São Paulo on Thursday, with the inaugural flight touching down at Cape Town International Airport to a celebratory welcome from aviation, tourism and government leaders.
The new route marks one of the most significant international air connectivity developments for Cape Town in recent years, creating a direct gateway between South Africa and Latin America's largest economy while opening up onward access to more than 135 destinations across South America through LATAM's extensive network.
The service will operate three times a week between Cape Town and São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, reducing travel times and eliminating the need for South African travellers to transit through Johannesburg, Luanda, Europe or the Middle East to reach many destinations in Brazil and beyond.
The route arrives at a time when Brazil is emerging as an increasingly important source market for South Africa. Tourism data shows that South Africa welcomed approximately 64,000 Brazilian visitors in 2025, with expectations that direct connectivity will further accelerate the tourism uptake.
The launch also strengthens ties between the two BRICS nations, with several stakeholders attending from Wesgro, ACSA, Cape Town Tourism, South African Tourism, and LATAM airlines, all highlighting the route's potential to drive trade, investment, business travel, cultural exchange, and job creation between South Africa and Brazil.
A boost for Cape Town's global network
Representatives from Cape Town's air access and aviation sectors described the route as a strategic addition to the city's growing international network.
With São Paulo as LATAM's primary hub, Cape Town travellers have seamless access to destinations across Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Central America, and parts of North America.
The route also carries a unique aviation connection. Cape Town International Airport is operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which also holds a shareholding in the concessionaire that manages São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport.
Inside the aircraft
The Cape Town route will be operated by LATAM's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet. LATAM has intentionally designed the experience to immerse travellers in South American culture from the moment they step onboard.
The aircraft accommodates 300 passengers, including 30 fully lie-flat Business Class seats and 270 Economy Class seats. Each Business Class seat offers direct aisle access, enhanced privacy and large entertainment screens.
Passengers will also have access to onboard Wi-Fi throughout the flight.
The airline also confirmed that a new Premium Comfort cabin - similar to a traditional Premium Economy product - will be introduced on the aircraft from next year, offering additional legroom, upgraded catering and enhanced comfort for travellers seeking an experience between Economy and Business Class.
Strong demand from day one
According to LATAM, the inaugural service arrived in Cape Town with a load factor of approximately 90%. In comparison, the outbound Cape Town flight was expected to depart with around 70% occupancy - a figure the airline says is encouraging for a brand-new route.
Interestingly, around a quarter of passengers booked on the inaugural Cape Town departure originated outside the Mother City, connecting from elsewhere in South Africa and neighbouring countries through LATAM's domestic and regional airline partnerships.
Flight schedule
LATAM's Cape Town–São Paulo service operates three times weekly.
São Paulo to Cape Town (LA8060)
- Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
- Departs São Paulo at 10.45pm
- Arrives in Cape Town at 10.55am the following day
Cape Town to São Paulo (LA8061)
- Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- Departs Cape Town at 3.50pm
- Arrives in São Paulo at 8pm local time
Latest searches on the LATAM Airlines' website for August for a standard fare in Economy class rstart at around R10 000 return.With Brazil set to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2027, this new route is a welcome bridge between Africa and South America.
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