South African Airways
Flag carrier of South Africa / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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South African Airways (SAA) is the flag carrier of South Africa.[4] Founded in 1934, the airline is headquartered in Airways Park at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and operates a hub-and-spoke network, serving ten destinations in Africa.[5] The carrier joined Star Alliance in April 2006, making it the first African carrier to sign with one of the three major airline alliances.[6]
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Founded | 24 July 1929; 94 years ago (1929-07-24) (as Union Airways) | ||||||
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Commenced operations | 1 February 1934; 90 years ago (1934-02-01) (as South African Airways) | ||||||
Hubs | O. R. Tambo International Airport | ||||||
Frequent-flyer program | Voyager | ||||||
Alliance | Star Alliance | ||||||
Subsidiaries |
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Fleet size | 9 | ||||||
Destinations | 13 | ||||||
Parent company | Government of South Africa | ||||||
Headquarters | Airways Park, O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | ||||||
Key people |
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Revenue | R1.594 billion (2021/22 FY) | ||||||
Operating income | R2.012 billion (2021/22 FY) | ||||||
Profit | R—3.653 billion (2021/22 FY)[3] | ||||||
Total assets | R4.872 billion (2021/22 FY) | ||||||
Employees | Group: 10,071 (2016/17 FY) SAA: 5,752 (2016/17 FY) | ||||||
Website | www |
The airline entered voluntary business rescue in December 2019 as a result of many years of financial losses,[7] and suspended all operations the following year.[8] In June 2021, the government announced that in an attempt to revive the airline, it had entered into a partnership with the Takatso Consortium, which would hold a 51% controlling stake.[9] The South African Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on 4 August 2021 that SAA's air operator's certificate had been reissued with an approved fleet of eight aircraft.[5]
The airline restarted operations on 23 September 2021,[10] despite not having concluded the investment agreement with the proposed private partners.[11] Nonetheless, SAA was recognised as the second best airline in Africa by Skytrax in 2021,[12] despite not having flown a single scheduled flight for 18 months.