On 27 April 1932 a biplane taking off from Croyden in London marked the start of an airline service that has linked the United Kingdom and South Africa for the past 80 years.

The flight was operated by Imperial Airways, a British Airways predecessor, and was its first passenger service to South Africa.

Then the journey took 10 days and involved travelling in a variety of aircraft and even by train. Now British Airways operates 17 direct flights a week between Johannesburg and London and daily flights from Cape Town. The Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft it uses can complete the flight in about 11 hours.

To mark the anniversary, British Airways has cut its base fare on the route to R1600, the equivalent of what the first customers would have paid. With today’s taxes and surcharges added, the total return fare to London is R6414.The anniversary special is on sale until 2 May, with outbound travel between 7 May - 15 June.

The offer also signals the start of a seasonal pricing campaign to the UK, North America and Europe which begins immediately and runs until 2 May, with outbound travel from 18 April - 31 December.

Inclusive fares to UK domestic and European destinations start from R8236 in World Traveller, R13 490 in World Traveller Plus and R32 618 in Club World.

In North America, prices to East Coast cities begin at R9387 in World Traveller, R19 321 in World Traveller Plus and R49 067 in Club World. The equivalent West Coast fares are R10 997 in World Traveller, R21 539 in World Traveller Plus and R65 399 in Club World. All are inclusive of taxes and surcharges.

There is also a once-off limited Club World fare to London of R28 077 on sale until midnight on 23 April for outbound travel between 7 - 31 May.

For more information visit ba.com or a travel agent.