Cape Town has become the first city on the continent to welcome the prestigious 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Flights between Cape Town and Istanbul on the luxurious Dreamliner aircraft resumed on 1 April. This after the Mother City was chosen as the priority destination for the aircraft in Africa.

According to Turkish Airlines, the Dreamliner is its most-advanced aircraft, with a seating capacity of 300 passengers. This includes 270 Economy Class seats and 30 Business Class seats.

Business Class boasts 44-inch legroom and a 180-degree full flat 76-inch seat bed length for each of the 30 seats.

The city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth Alderman James Vos has welcomed the landing of the first aircraft on local shores, this month.

Vos said: “This is great news for Cape Town! The additional capacity provided by the Dreamliner aircraft between Istanbul and Cape Town will offer superb potential for growth in business and leisure travel.”

Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy added: “Istanbul is a pivotal transport hub for Europe and other continents. This attractive aircraft will enable us to welcome more visitors to the city.”

He added”; “Reigniting global tourism takes practical measures such as this, we look forward to the opportunities this will create so that more international visitors can come and find their freedom in Cape Town.”