SAA to be back in skies from September 23

August 26, 2021: In just under a month, South African Airways (SAA) will once again be visible in the skies as the airline resumes operations after a year. The first flight will commence on September 23, 2021. 

Interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo, stated, “After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming on board our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag.”

SAA will as an initial phase operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo. More destinations will be added to the route network as it ramps up operations in response to market conditions.

Kgokolo added, “There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within team SAA as we prepare for takeoff, with one common purpose - to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental, and international airlines. The aviation sector is currently going through a testing period, and we are aware of the tough challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks. We thank South Africa for the support we have received in getting us to where we are today. As we are now poised for takeoff, we see this as a major milestone for SAA and the country.”

According to the chairman of the SAA’s board, John Lamola, since the national carrier came out of business rescue at the end of April 2021, the department of public enterprises together with the board and the management team have been seized with planning for the relaunching of a restructured and fit for purpose airline that South Africans can again be proud of. “The airline is restarting with a formidable business case, he said. 

Recently, SAA’s welcomed two A320 aircraft that have been in storage and have accomplished 6-year maintenance ‘C-Checks’ in Abu Dhabi during the carrier’s time in business rescue.

In the first week of August, SAA was granted a renewed operating license by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.