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South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA) has been South Africa’s flag carrier since the 1930s. Over its nearly 90 years of history, the airline has grown from a small domestic carrier to a respected international full-service carrier operating some of aviation’s largest jets. After coming back from the edge of bankruptcy, the airline is looking to rebuild and launch itself from a position of stability. (Featured image: Vincenzo Pace - Simple Flying)

South African A340-600
The A340 played an important role in South African Airways' fleet, including from Johannesburg to Cape Town, but obviously mainly long-haul. Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Munich, New York JFK, and Perth were the top international airports for the A340 in the past decade. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying.
IATA/ICAO Code:
SA/SAA
Airline Type:
Full Service Carrier
Year Founded:
1934
Alliance:
Star Alliance
CEO:
Thomas Kgokolo
Country:
South Africa
See Full Airlines Info

latest South African Airways Articles

South African Airways Airbus A330 aircraft 1
South African Airways Swaps Out The Airbus A340 On Flights To Brazil

A six-year-old A330 will serve Sao Paulo starting in October.

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South African Airways Airbus A340 and Lufthansa in Frankfurt 1
Codeshare: Lufthansa Teams Up With South African Airways

Customers will have access to more destinations in Europe and Southern Africa.

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South African Airways Airbus A330 in Zambia 1
Competition Tribunal Conditionally Approves South African Airways Part Privatization

The merger has been approved with divestment conditions set.

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Where Did South African Airways' Boeing 767s End Up?

The carrier only flew three examples of the US-built widebody.

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South African Airways at International Airport 1
A Welcome Return: What The Return Of South American Flights Means To Cape Town

South African Airways will launch its first intercontinental route with flights from Cape Town.

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A South African Airways Airbus A330-300 landing at Heathrow  1
South African Airways To Resume Flights To São Paulo After Three Years

The airline will fly from Cape Town and Johannesburg to São Paulo Guarulhos.

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South African Airways Airbus A330 in Zambia 1
South African Airways Takeover Gets Competition Commission Approval

The sale of South African Airways will go through if competition conditions are met.

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The Evolution Of The World's Longest Route

Just 5 airlines have held the title since 1997!

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South African Airways Airbus A330 in London 1
South African Airways Seeks To Resume Long-Haul Flights With An Airbus A330

SAA will add six aircraft to its fleet and resume international destinations by the end of the year.

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South African Airways Semi-Privatization Deal To Be Complete In 4 Months

A deal that has been extended over a long period may be finalized within four months.

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More XWBs Inbound: Lufthansa To Lease Four Ex-LATAM Airbus A350s

Extra capacities are needed for the upcoming summer season.

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Complicated Investigation: The Crash Of South African Airways Flight 406

Today marks the 56th anniversary of the accident.

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South African Airways Unveils Plans For Airbus A350s

South African Airways will bring back the Airbus A350 to serve international destinations.

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South African Airways Privatization At Risk Of Not Getting Regulator Approval

The deal could fall through due to fears of stifling competition.

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South African Airways Airbus A350  1
South African Airways Will Get Another $55 Million Bailout

This is nowhere near what is needed to cover the historic debt of the airline.

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Comesa To Treat Kenya Airways Partnership With South African Airways A Merger

The strategic partnership between the two will be considered a merger because of its effect on competition.

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South African Airways Will Resume Malawi Flights Next Month

The flag carrier will resume flights to Malawi following an agreement with the High Commission.

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Mango Airlines Sale May Have To Be Abandoned

Sale of the budget carrier hangs in the balance after Minister withholds approval.

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FlySafair Boeing 737 Struck By SAA Airbus A320 After Tow Bar Broke

A South African Airways A320 veered into a FlySafair Boeing 737 while parking at Johannesburg Airport, rendering both planes inoperable.

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