US airline Delta is adding a nonstop flight from Cape Town to Atlanta from December 18, to complement its existing service between Johannesburg and Atlanta, and the new flight will operate three times a week and provide more than 200 onward connections across the US and beyond.

Delta’s new Cape Town flight will operate using the airline’s new, state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft featuring all four Delta cabin experiences - Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, conveniently timed to depart Cape Town at 22:50 and arrive in Atlanta at 08:00 the next day. Customers can connect to destinations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Orlando and Miami via Atlanta.

“Delta has proudly served South Africa since 2006 and, with strong customer demand for travel, we are delighted to announce our first nonstop flight from Cape Town to Atlanta,” said Delta Africa, Middle East and India sales director Jimmy Eichelgruen.

“Cape Town is the centre of Western Cape tourism and commerce, while Atlanta is a gateway to the Americas. Linking these two cities will allow even more opportunity for growth in both business and leisure sectors in the Western Cape region,” he said.

Further, owing to Delta’s community-focused and sustainability efforts, customers traveling in Delta One will enjoy refreshed amenities and services including artisan-made Someone Somewhere amenity kits and soft, comfortable bedding sets made from recycled materials.

On board service elements include a pre-departure beverage service, chef-curated three-course menu and desserts, such as Delta’s build-your-own ice cream sundaes.

Delta Premium Select, the airline’s premium economy cabin, includes more space to relax and stretch out with a wider seat with deeper recline and an adjustable footrest and leg rest. These customers will also receive upgraded amenity kits, noise-cancelling headsets, blankets and memory-foam pillows to help them arrive rested and refreshed.

All customers will have access to WiFi onboard and Delta’s best-in-class seatback entertainment and can recharge their devices with in-seat power and universal serial bus ports. Customers will also enjoy refreshed premium food and beverage options from small businesses and suppliers from across the globe.

“I am thrilled by Delta's announcement of a new direct route between Atlanta and Cape Town. This flight will offer unprecedented access to Cape Town for travellers from the Southeastern United States and, indeed, the whole of North America,” said Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“I anticipate a steady stream of visitors looking to make the most of the unique business and tourism opportunities our vibrant city has to offer. Capetonians look forward to offering the warmest South African welcome to Delta’s customers as they arrive in the country’s Mother City,” he said.