South African Airways (SAA) is finally coming back. In just under a month, SAA aircrafts will once again be visible in the skies as the airline plans to resume operations on 23rd September 2021.
SAA is back!
SAA will be resuming scheduled operations on 23rd September 2021.
Thomas Kgokolo, Interim CEO, South African Airways, said:
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. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to COVID-19 protocols.
Initially, the airline plans to operate flights to from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo. SAA states that more destinations it will add more destinations to its 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.
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According to John Lamola, Chairman of SAA’s Board, 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.
Lamola states:
The airline is restarting with a formidable business case.
Coming back
After exiting Business Rescue, SAA’s team has been hard at work getting the airline ready to relaunch flight operations. Earlier this month, the airline reported having secured its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) for both domestic and international flights, as reported in ch-aviation.com.
As per the new AOC, SAA has listed just 8 aircraft. These are:
- 3 Airbus A319-100s
- 2 Airbus A320-200s
- 1 Airbus A330-300
- 2 Airbus A340-600s
Going forward, the fleet is set to be a fair bit bigger than this. The business rescue plan that SAA emerged from administration with detailed a fleet of 26 aircraft. These include 10 small narrow body airplanes, 9 narrow body airplanes and 7 wide body airplanes.
Featured image by Airline Geeks
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