A Lufthansa A380 was today named “Johannesburg” by Mrs Nomvula Mokonyane,
the Premier of South Africa’s Gauteng province. The official ceremony took
place at OR Tambo International Airport in the presence of Councillor Parks
Tau, the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, who unveiled the name on the
aircraft’s fuselage. Following the naming ceremony, the aircraft departed
for a scenic flight to the Cape Town area, performing a low overflight of
the city and Table Mountain.
Johannesburg, 28 June 2011

In a festive ceremony at OR Tambo International Airport, a
Lufthansa Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airplane,
was named “Johannesburg” by Mrs Nomvula Mokonyane, the
Premier of South Africa’s Gauteng province. Councillor Parks Tau,
the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg proudly unveiled the
South African city’s name on the aircraft fuselage, assisted by
Mr Kay Kratky, member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board,
who is responsible for the airline’s Frankfurt and
Flight Operations division.

Following the naming ceremony, the aircraft departed for a
scenic flight to the Western Cape, performing a low overflight
of Cape Town and the Table Mountain to greet residents and A380
fans. The “Johannesburg” was piloted by Captain Jürgen Raps.

“Our A380 bears the name of Johannesburg as a symbol of
friendship between Germany and South Africa. It will travel
the world as an ambassador for intercultural understanding,
bridging continents and connecting people”, said Kay Kratky.
“We would also like to use this opportunity to express our
gratitude towards our customers and partners in South Africa.
Without their loyalty and support we would not be here today”,
he added.

Johannesburg became Lufthansa’s third A380 destination in
September 2010, right after Tokyo and Beijing. Meanwhile,
New York, San Francisco and Miami have been added as further
destinations served by Lufthansa’s new flagship. As of 30 October,
when the winter timetable goes into effect, Lufthansa will operate
a daily A380 service on its Frankfurt-Singapore route as well,
bringing the number of A380 destinations to seven
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