2019

  • JOHANNESBURG. 31 December 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline has reinstated flights between Johannesburg and Mauritius after the airspace in Mauritius has opened for airlines to operate.

    Tropical storm Calvinia remains severe but has changed direction and is now moving away from the Mauritius with the risk of cyclonic conditions considerably decreased.

    “SAA cancelled flights on Monday after the airspace closure in Mauritius due to unfavourable weather conditions associated with tropical storm Calvinia. On Tuesday morning we received an update on the weather situation and we are now able to resume flights between Johannesburg and Mauritius,” says Tlali Tlali SAA Spokesperson.

    SAA will resume flights today and will operate as follows:

    Tuesday, 31 December 2019

    Johannesburg to Mauritius

    • SA190, 31 December from Johannesburg to Mauritius to operate will depart 10:45 (Johannesburg local time)

    • SA3192, an additional flight added from Johannesburg to Mauritius which will depart at 10:30 (Johannesburg local time)

    Mauritius to Johannesburg

    • SA191, 31 December from Mauritius to Johannesburg will depart 13:25 (UTC)

    • SA3193, an additional flight added from Mauritius to Johannesburg will depart at 13:35 (UTC)

    “We have decided to add additional flights on Tuesday in order to accommodate as many passengers as possible who are affected by the cancellation on Monday. We will operate two wide bodied aircraft, an A330-200 (36 Business and 186 Economy class seats) and an A330-300 (46 Business and 203 Economy class seats),” elaborates Tlali.

    SAA apologises to all its customers for these cancellations, which were caused by circumstances beyond its control. SAA will support any operational decision that is based on considerations of safety.   

    Contact Details:

    South African Airways Contact Centers

    South Africa

    • Johannesburg | 27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606

    Mauritius

    • Tel: +230 202 6737 / +230 603 5903

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 30 December 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline has cancelled today’s flights between Johannesburg and Mauritius due to unfavourable weather conditions associated with tropical cyclone Calvinia in the vicinity of Mauritius.
     
    Monday, 30 December 2019
     
    The cancelled flights are: (SA operated and MK marketing)
     
    SA190/MK950 on 30 December 2019 from Johannesburg to Mauritius 
    SA191/MK949 of 30 December 2019 from Mauritius to Johannesburg 
     
    SAA intends to reinstate flights on Tuesday, 31 December and will operate as follows:
     
    Tuesday, 31 December 2019
     
    Johannesburg to Mauritius 
    SA190, 31 December from Johannesburg to Mauritius to operate as per normal schedule and will depart 09H45 (Johannesburg)
    SA3192, an additional flight added from Johannesburg to Mauritius which will depart at 08H40 (Johannesburg)
     
    Mauritius to Johannesburg 
    SA191, 31 December from Mauritius to Johannesburg to operate as per normal schedule and will depart 16H40 (Mauritius)
    SA3193, an additional flight added from Mauritius to Johannesburg which will depart at 15H35 (Mauritius) 
     
    “We have decided to add additional flights on Tuesday in order to accommodate as many passengers as possible who are affected by the cancellation on Monday. SAA will operate two wide bodied aircraft, an A330-200 (36 Business and 186 Economy class seats) and an A330-300 (46 Business and 203 Economy).”
     
    “We apologise to our customers for these cancellations, which were caused by circumstances beyond our control. The Mauritius Meteorology Services notified us that they have decided to close the airspace based on the severity of the weather conditions for airlines to operate,” says Tlali Tlali SAA Spokesperson.
     
    SAA will support any operational decision that is based on considerations of safety.   
     
    SAA will continue to monitor the weather conditions in Mauritius and will advise customers accordingly.
     
    Contact Details:
     
    South African Airways Contact Centers
     
    South Africa
    Johannesburg | 27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
    Mauritius
    Tel: +230 202 6737 / +230 603 5903
     
    -ends-
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
     
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.
     
    For media information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 24 December 2019. South African Airways (SAA) today operated its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft for the first time commercially in the domestic market.

    The aircraft departed from Johannesburg to Cape Town after 10 this morning, operating as flight SA323, and returned as flight SA336 from Cape Town to Johannesburg and landed at approximately 4PM.   

    The aircraft is one of four new Airbus A350-900 jets in SAA’s fleet, which is set to improve the airline’s customer offering and commercial prospects.

    “We are pleased to offer our customers a superior customer experience with the commercial introduction of the new Airbus A350 aircraft, which offers the quietest cabin of any twin-aisle aircraft,” says Zuks Ramasia, SAA’s Acting CEO.

    The introduction of the A350s will contribute to the airline’s operational efficiencies and forms part of fleet renewal to enable SAA to compete and serve its customers better through the introduction of new products.

    As additional aircraft are introduced, more routes will be operated by the Airbus A350-900s, such as SAA’s ultra-long haul routes between Johannesburg and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The A350 will replace the Airbus A340-600 and will still operate Johannesburg – New York on a nonstop basis.

    Business and Economy Class customers will enjoy the quieter cabin, a more relaxing environment during flight. The Airbus A350-900 is configured with a maximum of 339 seats, of which 30 are Business Class seats and 309 are Economy Class seats, with the first six rows in Economy Class offering extra legroom to provide a more comfortable experience, especially on longer flights. The Business Class cabin has lie flat beds.

    The aircraft also offers a modern In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system throughout the cabin. SAA will operate the aircraft for three years.

    The commonality and common type rating between the Airbus A350-900 XWB powered aircraft and the other Airbus aircraft in SAA’s fleet translate directly into cost saving for training pilots, crew, engineers and technicians as well as for spares inventory.

    The A350-900 XWB has excellent range/payload performance on long-haul flights departing from Johannesburg (the hot-and-high consideration). SAA will achieve approximately 25% lower operating costs (cash) using the A350-900 XWB, over a 5-year period, compared with some of its four-engine aircraft generation that have similar range and payload capabilities. 

    SAA will also achieve approximately 25% savings in fuel consumption and emissions. Besides lower operating costs, it will also reduce SAA’s exposure to South Africa’s recently imposed Carbon Tax because it is more environmentally friendly and helps it achieve global emissions offset mechanism targets, for international aviation requirements.

    The airline will also benefit from the approximately 40% lower costs for maintaining the A350-900 XWB’s airframe over a 5-year period -  that is, the aircraft excluding the engines, compared with some of its four-engine aircraft generation it will replace on the Johannesburg-New York-Johannesburg and other routes.

    The aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Since entering service in 2015, the Trent XWB engines have flown more than five million hours and are regarded as the world’s most efficient large aero-engine.

    -ENDS-

    ISSUED BY SAA

    For Media Enquiries, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG22 December 2020. South African Airways (SAA) has joined the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife through the Illegal Wildlife Trade module of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Programme.

    IEnvA is a comprehensive environmental management system that SAA uses to ensure that the airline is as environmentally sustainable as possible. IEnvA is an equivalent of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) but for the environment rather than safety. SAA is audited, much like IOSA, and certified as IEnvA compliant. SAA attained IEnvA Stage 2 certification in March 2015. 

    SAA is being audited during the course of December 2019 to ensure that the correct systems and procedures are in place and that SAA is committed to the fight against the illegal wildlife trade after which SAA will be certified. We do this as part of our role in biodiversity economy and demand management to halt illegal wildlife trade while supporting responsible sourced wildlife that sustains local communities.

    SAA is also a signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration of the United for Wildlife initiative. United for Wildlife works to tackle illegal wildlife trade by bringing together conservation organisations, governments, and global corporations. Led by The Duke of Cambridge and The Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife is working to protect endangered species like elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pangolins so they can share our world with future generations. 

    “We can all do our part to stop this scourge that subjects our wildlife to cruel methods of smuggling or to death at the hands of poachers. SAA is committed to making a difference and protecting our wildlife,” says Zuks Ramasia, SAA Acting CEO.

    South Africa’s wildlife is one of the most treasured natural assets and is a drawcard for tourism to South Africa and as the national carrier; we are doing our part to protect that heritage. SAA will be increasing awareness, training and co-operation with law enforcement. Over the course of the next year, all employees will have the opportunity to get involved and be trained in methods to detect these smugglers and their activities and to report these to the relevant authorities.

    -ENDS- 

    ISSUED BY SAA
    For Media Enquiries , please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard
    : +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Please click here to view the media statement.

  • JOHANNESBURG. 6 December 2019. The Board of Directors of South African Airways (SAA) has announced that the notice of commencement of business rescue proceedings was filed with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) on 5 December 2019, as per Chapter 6 of the Companies Act 2008 (Act 71 of 2008).

    The company is officially in business rescue.

    The CIPC has processed the appointment of the business rescue practitioner, Mr Les Matuson from Matuson Associates in South African Airways' voluntary business rescue process.

     

    ISSUED BY SAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

     

  • JOHANNESBURG, 5 December 2019. South African Airways (SAA) is today in a position to announce that the Board of Directors of SAA has adopted a resolution to place the company into business rescue at the earliest opportunity.

    As previously announced, the SAA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee have been in consultations with the shareholder, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), in an effort to find a solution to our company’s well-documented financial challenges.

    The considered and unanimous conclusion has been to place the company into business rescue in order to create a better return for the company’s creditors and shareholders, than would result from any other available solution.

    Furthermore, the company is seeking to minimize the destruction of value across its subsidiaries and provide the best prospects for selected activities within the group to continue operating successfully.

    SAA understands that this decision presents many challenges and uncertainties for its staff. The company will engage in targeted communication and support for all employee groups at this difficult time.

    SAA will endeavour to operate a new provisional timetable and will publish details shortly. The company greatly appreciates the continued support of both its customers and partners in the travel industry around the world.

    The Board of Directors will also announce the appointment of business practitioners in the near future, and provide media updates as and when appropriate.

    It is important to point out that services operated by SAA’s subsidiary airline, Mango, will continue as usual and as scheduled.

     

    ISSUED BY SAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    For Media Enquiries, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

  • JOHANNESBURG. 28 November 2019. South African Airways (SAA) and its wholly-owned subsidiary and low cost carrier, Mango Airlines, made history in 2016 as the first two airlines in Africa to operate commercial flights respectively, which were powered by sustainable aviation fuel produced from Sunchem’s nicotine-free tobacco plant, Solaris.

    That momentous occasion demonstrated it is possible to use a locally produced feedstock to manufacture bio-jet fuel for commercial aviation that meets all necessary sustainability criteria required by the international and multi-stakeholder organisation on biomaterial production and processing, Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This approach has been endorsed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and NGOs globally as the strongest sustainability standard for biofuels.

    Today marks the launch of Project Reya Fofa, the follow up to Project Solaris.  

    The project will introduce Solaris-based biodiesel into the ground-handling operations at O.R .Tambo International Airport.  This will support a feasible scale-up of feedstock production and infrastructure such that a fully localised value chain for a Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) refinery may be achieved in the coming years, producing bio-jet fuel and green diesel. The next phase will be rolled out in a collaboration between Sunchem, Swissport, The Royal Bafokeng Nation (through implementing entity Moumo Integrated Development) and iLive. This is endorsed by South African Airways (SAA).

    Aviation currently contributes 2-2.5% to worldwide CO2 emissions (the equivalent of Canada). Whilst compared to other industries this may not appear exorbitant, the fast growth in air traffic and the related increase in jet fuel consumption means that by 2050 global aviation could account for over 22% of all CO2 emissions. As such, the reduction of aviation’s emissions is a critical component of global climate mitigation action aimed at limiting warming to 1.5 °C.

    SAA is fully committed to sustainable environmental transformation whilst supporting the creation of employment and new industries in South Africa, with the ultimate goal of blending 50% of its fuel with locally and environmentally sustainably produced biofuel. SAA is steadfast in working to become the leading African airline to operate bio-fuel powered flights on a sustainable basis in, and to markets on the African continent.

    Beyond the climate and other environmental benefits of sustainable bio-fuel, a localised supply chain will have immense transformative power in terms of job creation, rural socio-economic development and macro-economic impacts such as a positive contribution to the Balance of Payments, minimised risk of foreign exchange exposure, tax revenues, and skills transfers.

    The project partners are committed to achieving RSB certification for the project, ensuring that it delivers on real social, environmental and climate benefits. RSB certification will demonstrate that locally produced bio-fuel can support food security, job creation, biodiversity and much more. This will showcase the potential of the South African bio-economy to the world.

    Scaling the cultivation of feedstock to reach the desired level of production of bio-jet fuel requires a roadmap that is based on an organic increase in land under cultivation and outlines the related investment and policy support required to develop large-scale local bio-fuel supply chains.

    Sunchem is committed to bringing its Solaris crop to Africa to support the African energy transition. Furthermore, Sunchem was Africa’s first RSB certified company therefore ensuring the highest standards in sustainable production. Sunchem actively engages throughout the value chain as the project integrator.

    Given Swissport’s goal to promote environmental responsibility in their services and encourage the development and application of environmentally conscious technologies, they have come alongside SAA to support the uptake of biodiesel from the Solaris project. It serves to put their environmental commitments into practice in South Africa whilst supporting SAA in beginning to transform their fuel supply at O.R. Tambo International Airport to be more sustainable and localised.

    Reya Fofa is Setswana and Sesotho for “We are flying” and demonstrates the vision of the project to be inclusive and transformative.

    The vision of Project Reya Fofa is truly a circular one – protein and fiber are other major co-products of the crop and as such, the project partners are working to include these into the catering and textile requirements of the aviation sector. This is also in line with SAA’s commitment to transform all its supply chains to be more sustainable.

    ENDS-

    ISSUED BY SAA

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • CAPE TOWN. 27 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) received permission today from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) to have their appearance deferred.

    Nevertheless, members of the SAA Board and Executive Committee, arrived in Cape Town on Wednesday, 27 November, in time to present a comprehensive report to SCOPA on the state of the airline at the originally scheduled time of 18h00. The permission to defer the meeting had not been received at the time the SAA team departed from Johannesburg.

    Given the significant and ongoing developments in respect of the sustainability of the airline, SAA welcomes the deferment of their appearance at SCOPA. This will enable further urgent engagement with all relevant role players on the support initiatives being developed under the direction of the shareholder.

    Arrangements are being finalised for SCOPA to visit SAA next week. All information requested has been submitted to the shareholder. SAA refutes any suggestion that it has not cooperated fully with Parliament.

    ISSUED BY SAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    -ENDS-

    ISSUED BY SAA

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG22 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce that the airline will be restoring a full flight schedule in stages over the weekend. 
    This process has been made possible following the agreement reached to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute between SAA and the coalition between the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the South African Airways Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) unions.
    In practical terms, this means that SAA will operate a near normal service on Saturday 23 November 2019. Whilst there will be selected cancellations, principally on the domestic network and on a small number of regional flights, the airline expects to be able to provide service to all customers.  Any customers requiring re-accommodation on a rescheduled service or on another airline will be contacted accordingly or assisted at their departure airport.
    On Sunday, 24 November 2019, SAA expects to operate its full schedule as usual. This means that SAA will operate services as usual on all three of its networks: domestic, regional (points on the African Continent) and international.
    “We are delighted to be able to announce a resumption in normal schedules. On behalf of SAA, I would like to express our deep regret at the inconvenience caused to our loyal customers during this industrial dispute. We will continue to assist those passengers, that have still not been able to travel, to reach their intended destination as soon as possible,” said Philip Saunders, SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer.
    “At the same time, I would like to express our commitment to return to the skies with renewed passion and energy to serve all our customers. We also thank our airline partners, Mango, Airlink and SA Express, for assisting us during this difficult period,” Saunders added.
    Customers holding a confirmed itinerary may proceed to their departure airport as usual. In line with standard practice, SAA recommends its customers to visit www.flysaa.com for all further flight updates. 
    [End] 

    ISSUED BY SAA

    Media to contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    EmailTlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:
    Website
    www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG22 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) has reached an agreement with unions to end the industrial action, which began seven days ago.
    SAA, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the South African Airways Cabin Crew Association (SACCA), ratified an agreement on Thursday, 21 November. 
    “Our country needs a joint effort to create and maintain productive industrial relations that are key to the stability required to grow and expand the economy, create and maintain jobs and promote the country’s global competitiveness. This agreement with the unions will help promote that atmosphere of positivity, inclusivity and sustainable growth,” said Zuks Ramasia, SAA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer.
     
    Summary of the salient points of the agreement between SAA and the NUMSA and SACCA coalition are:
     
    1. The parties agree to an increase of 5.9% on total cost of employment retrospective to 1 April 2019, which will be paid in the February 2020 payroll, subject to availability of funding. 
    2. The back payment for the first six months (April to September 2019) will be paid in the March 2020 payroll. 
    3. The remaining four (4) months (October 2019 to January 2020) back pay will be paid in the April 2020 payroll. 
    4. The entitlement to the salary increase and back pay as referred to in point 1, 2 and 3 above is subject to funds being obtained by SAA for such purposes and being available during February 2020, March 2020 and April 2020 as the case may be.
    5. The section 189A Labour Relations Act (LRA) process, for which notice was served on the 11th November 2019 to all recognised trade unions, will be deferred effective from the date of signature of this agreement to the 31st January 2020. The deferment will only apply to this Bargaining Unit (non-management). 
    6. The section 189A LRA process, which commenced on Wednesday, 20 November 2019, will however continue for SAA management, with the next consultation meeting scheduled for Monday, 25 November 2019. 
    7. SAA and the recognised Trade Unions will apply to the relevant authorities (Department of Employment & Labour and the CCMA) for SAA to participate in the Training Layoff Scheme in terms of the rules of the scheme. 
    8. The parties further agree to establish a Task Team. The main objective of the Task team will be to identify and consider cost saving initiatives, inter alia, insourcing and contracts. Should the Task Team be able to realise savings, a percentage of the after-tax savings may be ring-fenced and paid to employees in the Bargaining Unit. The Task Team will discuss and agree on a formula for such payment. 
    9. The NUMSA and SACCA coalition agreed to, with immediate effect, call-off the industrial action, and instruct their members currently on strike to return to work latest by 23 November 2019. 
     
    “SAA is equally pleased that the National Transport Movement (NTM) also signed SAA’s wage agreement earlier today,” Ramasia added.    
    “We are proud of SAA employees’ sacrifices by supporting the airline in these difficult times,” said Ramasia.
    “This deal, particularly the fact that we offered a 5.9% salary increase amidst grave financial challenges, is to recognise the company’s employees for the important contributions they make to the overall success of the company, economic development, and inbound and outbound tourism,” said Ramasia. 
    Ramasia added that the business environment over the past year has been very difficult and challenging for most businesses, including SAA. 
    “Global economic growth remains largely anaemic. The impact is being felt by most markets where the growth picture is fluid. As South Africa’s number one airline, we look forward to implementing this constructive agreement that helps SAA to enhance its competitiveness whilst preserving and protecting jobs,” she concluded. 
     
    [END]
     
    ISSUED BY SAA
     
    Media to contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Customers to contact:
    Call Centre: 0861 606 606 or 011 978 1111. 
    Operating Hours: 06:00 AM to 22:00 PM, South African time. 
    IMPORTANT NOTICE: Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements. Visit www.flysaa.com for the latest information.
     
    General Enquiries:
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG21 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) is today announcing the suspension of all services between Johannesburg and Hong Kong from Saturday, 23 November until and including, 14 December 2019. 

    This decision has been taken to curb significant financial losses incurred on the route, exacerbated recently by the ongoing political tensions in Hong Kong,

    “The decision to suspend services to Hong Kong is regrettable, but necessitated by the current downturn in business due to the developing challenges in the region. By suspending these flights, we can concentrate on resuming more regional services at the earliest opportunity and make better use of all our resources,” said Philip Saunders, SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer.

    SAA will be implementing a re-accommodation policy for customers booked on services to and from Hong Kong, and will be in contact with customers at the earliest opportunity. At present, the airline operates four services every week between Johannesburg and Hong Kong. 

    In recent months, several airlines have announced reductions in services and capacity to Hong Kong. These include the home-based carrier Cathay Pacific, as well as Air China, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways, United Airlines and others. The impact of these reduced operations is further reinforced by a year-on-year decline of 13% in passenger volumes recorded at Hong Kong International Airport in October 2019.

    A further announcement relating to the resumption of further selected regional services will be made in a separate press release to be issued today.

    [END]

    ISSUED BY SAA

    Media to contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    EmailTlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 20 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce its intention to resume selected flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Victoria Falls, with effect from Thursday, 21 November 2019. 

    SAA is continuing to operate all international flights on an ongoing basis and without disruption. The airline is now also successfully operating services to six destinations on the African continent, namely Accra, Lagos, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek and Harare on an ongoing basis.

    SAA would like to record its appreciation for those staff deciding to work despite receiving threats and intimidation from the unions. It is clear that SAA’s people are increasingly determined to put our customers first.  

    “We are pleased that SAA is now able to increase services and to offer our customers more flights on Domestic and on the African continent and that all our International flights are back on schedule. It is also important to assure SAA’s customers that our operations are safe and that the airline will never compromise on this core responsibility,” said Philip Saunders, SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer.

    Customers travelling on SAA’s Regional network to Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Durban will be rebooked on the reinstated services and contacted accordingly. 

    SAA will seek to rebook customers travelling on other Regional routes (points on the African Continent) wherever possible.

    SAA is continuing to work with its partner airlines, Mango and SA Airlink, to re-book all customers travelling on domestic services for Thursday 21 November 2019 and Friday 22 November 2019.

    “Once again, we apologise to all our passengers for all the inconvenience caused. We are continuing discussions with labour and remain committed to reach a prompt resolution in the best interests of all parties,” Saunders said. 

    Customers are requested not to travel to their departure airport unless they are in possession of a rebooked itinerary.

    Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements.

    For any further information or guidance, then please visit flysaa.com or call our contact centre on   0861 606 606 or 011 978 1111 
    -Ends- 

    ISSUED BY SAA

    Media to contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    EmailTlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Customers to contact:
    Call Centre: 0861 606 606 or 011 978 1111. 
    Operating Hours: 06:00 AM to 22:00 PM, South African time. Call rates are low between 09:00PM and 10:00PM South African time.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE: Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements. Visit www.flysaa.com for the latest information.


    General Enquiries:
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Please click HERE to view the media statement

     

     

  • JOHANNESBURG19 November 2019 – With all international and some regional flights back in operation, and domestic services carried out by sister airline Mango, South African Airways (SAA) is on the road to operational recovery. 

    “We thank SAA employees who are back at work and those employees who have not joined the industrial action. They continue to carry our flag around the world. We also thank our loyal customers for supporting us in this difficult time”, said SAA Acting CEO, Zuks Ramasia.   

    “We applaud our committed employees for understanding that the airline cannot afford salary increases at present, because of the financial difficulties we are facing. The National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) and South African Airways Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) are demanding a wage increase of 8%, whilst the company will only be in a position to pay 5.9% in March 2020, assuming funds are available at that time. We call on all our employees to return to work for the sake of our customers and the company. After all, our customers contribute to our salaries and it is only through their confidence and custom that we can secure the future for SAA and ensure our essential contribution to the country’s economy. We are also very mindful of the contribution made by taxpayers to our sustainability,” said Ramasia.

    Today, Ramasia and her executives have given the media an update on the strike by members of SACCA and NUMSA. In the media conference, SAA management explained the state of negotiations with unions, the ’no-work, no-pay’ principle; and confirmed SAA’s continued commitment to safety.

    “SAA would like to record its appreciation to those employees that have decided to return to work, despite receiving threats and intimidation from the unions. It is clear and encouraging that many of our employees are increasingly determined to put our customers first,” said Ramasia.

    All flights to the airline’s eight international destinations are now operating as usual and on an ongoing basis.  

    Today SAA is resuming flights to six destinations on the African continent, namely Accra, Lagos, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek and Harare. 

    Customers travelling to these destinations are being rebooked on the reinstated services and are being contacted accordingly. 

    DOMESTIC AND REGIONAL ROUTES

    SAA is continuing to work with its partner airline Mango to re-book all customers travelling on domestic routes. 

    “We are pleased that we have been able to offer our customers alternatives on domestic routes since Sunday. In the meantime, we thank our subsidiary airline, Mango, and partner airlines, Airlink, and SA Express, for doing a sterling job in supporting our domestic and regional networks. Once again, we regret the inconvenience caused to our valued customers,” said Ramasia.

    SAA will continue to work hard to focus on gradually ramping up our regional and domestic services. The next announcement in this regard will be made later today.

    OPERATIONAL SAFETY

    As previously mentioned our operations are fully compliant with regulations in force. Furthermore, we acknowledge the confirmation by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) that our operations are safe and fully compliant with international safety standards. 

    Safety is our primary responsibility. SAA has never - and will never - compromise safety under any circumstances. 

    The statements made by SACCA and NUMSA are deeply regrettable, untruthful and without foundation. In response, SAA is taking appropriate legal action for these statements to be retracted.

    “Our flight deck, cabin crew and technicians are highly qualified. For example, on the international flights operated by SAA on Sunday, each member of our cabin crew team had an average of 16 years’ experience, and each pilot on the flight deck had an average of 20 years’ experience.’

    STATUS OF ONGOING INDUSTRIAL ACTION 

    A growing number of our employees do not support the strike. Ever more workers are coming back to work, and this is evidenced by the increasing number of flights we are operating.

    “SAA strongly condemns the intimidation of employees who have decided to report for work. Let us be clear: describing some of our employees as “traitors” and threatening that “we know where you are” are flagrant methods of intimidation -  and will not be tolerated by SAA.” said Ramasia.  

    Participating in industrial action is a personal choice. Unfortunately, there have been several incidents relating to intimidation against staff, as well as attempted non-compliance of picketing rules.  

    No one should ever be pressured by any union official or member to participate in this industrial action. The airline will not tolerate any form of intimidation against those wishing to report for duty, and is taking the necessary measures to protect them in the workplace.

    The Trade Unions in dispute with SAA have added additional demands, which are not part of the conflict. 

    The company has decided to approach the labour court on an urgent basis to interdict these demands, which are not procedural and also to address the non-compliance with picketing rules.

    THE PERSONAL COST OF STRIKING

    The strike comes at a personal cost to employees.  With SAA’s “no-work-no-pay” principle, the salary loss for a striking employee embarking on strike action for seven days will take him or her approximately four months to recover. This is calculated on the basis of a 5.9% salary increase, implemented against the total cost of employment.

    COST OF THE INDUSTRIAL ACTION

    The cost to the company of industrial action consists of many elements. These include the costs related to rebooking customers on other airlines, claims from customers, denied boarding compensation, lost average daily revenue, lost future sales, aircraft parking, SAA Cargo revenue losses, and salaries for pilots and cabin crew who are not on strike. The cost of the reputational damage to the company is immeasurable. 

    STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS

    The conciliation process with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) will be reconvened shortly to mediate in the current deadlock between unions and management is ongoing. 

    Our efforts are focused on finding solutions that recognise employees’ concerns, safeguard the business and return operations to normal without delay. 

    [END]

    ISSUED BY SAA

    Media to contact:

    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 

    EmailTlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Customers to contact:

    Call Centre: 0861 606 606 or 011 978 1111. 

    Operating Hours: 06:00 AM to 22:00 PM, South African time. Call rates are low between 09:00PM and 10:00PM South African time.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE: Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements. Visit www.flysaa.com for the latest information.

    General Enquiries:
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 18 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce its intention to resume flights to six destinations on the African continent, namely Accra, Lagos, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek and Harare, with effect from Tuesday, 19 November 2019. 

    This is in addition to all SAA’s International flights,   which are now fully operational. SAA would like to record its appreciation for those staff deciding to work despite receiving threats and intimidation from the unions. It is clear that SAA’s people are increasingly determined to put our customers first.  

    “We are pleased that SAA is now able to increase services and to offer our customers more flights on the African continent, and that all our International flights are back on schedule. It is also important to assure SAA’s customers that our operations are safe and that the airline will never compromise on this core responsibility,” said Philip Saunders, SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer.

    Customers booked to travel on SAA’s international services will now be able to travel as booked. 

    Customers travelling on SAA’s regional network to Accra, Lagos, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek and Harare will be rebooked on the reinstated services and contacted accordingly. 

    SAA will seek to rebook customers travelling on other regional routes (points on the African Continent) wherever possible.

    SAA is continuing to work with its partner airlines, Mango and SA Airlink, to re-book all customers travelling on domestic services for Tuesday 19 November 2019 and Wednesday 20 November 2019.

    “Once again, we apologise to all our passengers for all the inconvenience caused. We are continuing discussions with labour and remain committed to reach a prompt resolution in the best interests of all parties,” Saunders said. 

    Customers are requested not to travel to their departure airport unless they are in possession of a rebooked itinerary.

    Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements.

    For any further information or guidance, then please visit flysaa.com or call our contact centre  on   0861 606 606 or 011 978 1111 
    -Ends- 

    ISSUED BY SAA

    Media to contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    EmailTlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:

    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

  • STATEMENT BY ZUKS RAMASIA, ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
     
    SAA decided that the most effective way to communicate with you is to give context in person. We will address you on the following key themes:
    Safety and Security; 
    Update on discussions with Labour; 
    The call for a Secondary Strike; and
    Provide an Operational Update. 
     
    1. Safety and Security 
     
    The safety and security of our customers, aircraft and employees are of paramount importance to South African Airways. 
     
    SAA calls on the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) to retract the untruthful and unfounded allegations that flying the national carrier is in any way unsafe. 
     
    SAA has a proven safety record and we have an unwavering commitment to safety. The safety and security of passengers and crew is the highest single priority to SAA. We do not compromise on that. 
     
    For example, we were the first airline in the world to train our pilots on ‘Upset Recovery Training’, and our instructors train airlines around the world on this. 
    We remain committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security on all our flights.
     
    The unions’ allegations are malicious and represent an unfounded attack, as well as an insult to the Civil Aviation Authority, South African Airways, and South African Airways Technical (SAAT). 
     
    It is important to state that SAA is mindful of its obligations to comply with all regulations and continue to ensure safe and secure operations. SAA will therefore maintain the required levels of personnel, including oversight post holders and necessary compliance training during this strike period.
     
    We call on NUMSA and SACCA to retract these untrue and unfounded allegations with immediate effect. If they fail to do so, we will consider taking legal action. We would never put our long established reputation at risk. The safety of our customers is always our prime responsibility.
     
    SAA flight deck, cabin crew and technicians are highly qualified.
    SAA prides itself on producing world class and highly trained pilots, cabin crew and technicians. This is further evidenced by the fact that many other airlines are recruiting from us. 
     
    SAA pilots currently train other pilots on safety procedures. Many airlines across the world has SAA pilots in their training structures.
     
    SAA is mindful of its obligations to comply with all regulations and continue to ensure safe and secure operations. SAA will therefore maintain the required levels of personnel, including oversight post holders and necessary compliance training during this strike period.  
     
    SAA Pilots are NOT on strike neither are trainee pilots used. SAA trained cabin crew members and all of them meet the SA CAA requirements.
     
    SAA aircraft go through rigorous inspections as prescribed.
     
    Intimidation of employees
     
    SAA further condemns the intimidation of employees who have decided to work. 
     
    Let us be clear: describing some of our employees as ‘traitors’ and threatening that “we know where you are” will not be tolerated. We will always protect our employees’ right to decide for themselves and serve our customers.
    The airline will not tolerate those seeking to intimidate those wishing to report for duty.
     
    Employees who intimidate or assault other employees, cause damage to SAA property or engage in any criminal act or misconduct may be liable for criminal prosecution, internal disciplinary action or arrested. 
     
    Employees are encouraged to immediately report any acts of intimidation, damage to property, or any safety related concerns to the Security Hotline on (011) 978-1018.
     
    Security personnel at all access gates and parking areas has been increased, assisted by members of SA Police Services (SAPS) to ensure that employees and vehicles are safe, including monitoring of access roads.
     
    Striking is a personal choice. No one should be pressured by a union or striker to participate in the strike. 
     
    2. Update on discussions with Labour
     
    The CCMA met with the company and the unions yesterday, Saturday 16 November, in terms of the Section 150 process following SAA’s request to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to conciliate the salary increment impasse between SAA and SACCA/ NUMSA and NTM.
     
    The CCMA Commissioners ended a long day’s proceedings last night, tasking the company to consider options on the way forward and the company will then revert to the Commissioners in due course. 
     
    The Commissioners will then reconvene the discussions between the parties.
     
    Demands by NUMSA and SACCA
     
    Since NUMSA and SACCA gave SAA 48 hours’ notice to strike on Tuesday, 12 November 2019, their demands have been amended three times.
     
    The company has written two letters to these two unions requesting clarity on what exactly they are demanding on behalf of their members, to ensure that there is no confusion and/or uncertainty. Yesterday they relayed their demands to the CCMA Commissioners.
     
    NUMSA and SACCA have demanded an 8% salary increase. This is the only lawful demand made by NUMSA and SACCA under the current strike notices.
     
    SAA’s position
     
    The company has advised that the airline cannot afford to pay any salary increases. However, it has offered the unions a 5.9% salary increase effective in the March 2020 pay month. In addition, the company will pay the first six months back-pay, from 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019, in March 2020; and the remaining six months back-pay in April 2020, provided that SAA has received funds to do so.
     
    The company has repeatedly communicated the precarious financial position of the company, the negative and dire ramifications that the company – and, by implication, each and every employee – would be exposed to by employees engaging in industrial action.
     
    When you strike, you don’t get pay! The salary loss as a result of an employee who embarks on strike action for a period of seven (7) days will take the striking employee 119 days (approximately four (4) months) to recover this salary loss if the 5.9% salary increase on Total Cost of Employment (TCE), is accepted and implemented.
     
    Impact on SAA
     
    We again wish to reiterate that the intended strike action will have a serious financial implication to the company. We urge the unions to reconsider the strike, which will without doubt, place SAA’s future in jeopardy. Please appreciate the fatal damage to SAA unless there is a resolution to this dispute.
     
    3. Call for a Secondary Strike
     
    SAA is concerned about NUMSA’s intention to start consultation with all sector players for a full-on Aviation Strike. The intent of a secondary strike is to cause disruption, bring all airport operations to a halt and create huge damage to the South African economy. NUMSA has also called on SATUWU and NTM to join the strike. 
     
    A secondary strike will affect the competitiveness of the South African economy as a whole. 
     
    4. Operational Update 
     
    We are pleased that SAA 222 from OR Tambo International Airport to São Paulo, which was scheduled to operate on Sunday morning, is now airborne en route to Brazil. 
     
    The return flight from São Paulo to OR Tambo International Airport is expected to operate as scheduled and arrive back in Johannesburg on Monday morning.
     
    The other five international departures from OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday 17 November 2019, were flights to New York, London, Frankfurt, Munich and Washington DC via Accra. The first departures from OR Tambo International Airport to Perth and Hong Kong are expected to operate as scheduled from Monday, 18 November 2019.
     
    SAA’s departures from its international stations on Monday, 18 November 2019 include: London, New York, Washington DC (via Accra), Munich and Frankfurt to OR Tambo International Airport, and are expected to arrive on Tuesday, 19 November 2019.
     
    What passengers should do
     
    Passengers are advised to report to their departure airport as normal when in possession of a confirmed itinerary. SAA’s domestic and regional flights remain cancelled. 
     
    SAA has been working with its subsidiary airline, Mango, and sister airline, SA Express, to re-accommodate as many customers as possible travelling on domestic services. 
     
    Depending on availability, customers traveling to regional destinations are being re-accommodated on SA Airlink, a partner airline of SAA, and other airlines where possible. 
     
    SAA apologises to all its valued customers for the inconvenience and frustration caused by the cancellation of flights as a result of ongoing industrial action.  
     
    We hope all our customers understand that the cancellations have been beyond our control.  We pledged to rebook all passengers caught up in the flight cancellations. We are working hard towards this goal and we are pleased to now be able to resume flights to all our international destinations.
     
    Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements. 
     
    -Ends-
  • JOHANNESBURG. 17 November 2019 - A South African Airways (SAA) flight to São Paulo, Brazil, took off on Sunday as the airline began reinstating international flights.

    “We are pleased that SAA 222 from OR Tambo International Airport to São Paulo, which was scheduled to operate on Sunday morning, is now airborne en route to Brazil. The return flight from São Paulo to OR Tambo International Airport is expected to operate as scheduled and arrive back in Johannesburg on Monday morning,” said Tlali Tlali, SAA’s Spokesperson.

    Tlali said the other five international departures from OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday 17 November 2019, were flights to New York, London, Frankfurt, Munich and Washington DC via Accra.

    The first departures from OR Tambo International Airport to Perth and Hong Kong are expected to operate as scheduled from Monday, 18 November 2019.                           

    SAA’s departures from its international stations on Monday, 18 November 2019 include: London, New York, Washington DC (via Accra), Munich and Frankfurt to OR Tambo International Airport, are expected to arrive on Tuesday, 19 November 2019.

    Passengers are advised to report to their departure airport as normal when in possession of a confirmed itinerary.

    SAA’s domestic and regional flights remain cancelled.

    SAA has been working with its subsidiary airline, Mango, and sister airline, SA Express, to re-accommodate as many customers as possible travelling on domestic services. Depending on availability, customers traveling to regional destinations are being re-accommodated on SA Airlink, a partner airline of SAA, and other airlines where possible.

    South African Airways apologises to all its valued customers for the inconvenience and frustration caused by the cancellation of flights as a result of ongoing industrial action by the South African Cabin Crew Association and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa. 

    “We hope all our customers understand that the cancellations were beyond our control.  We pledged to rebook all passengers caught up in the flight cancellations. We are working hard towards this goal and we are pleased to resume flights to all our international destinations,” Tlali said.

    Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements.

    -Ends-

    ISSUED BY SAA

    Media to contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Customers to contact:

    Call Centre: 0861 606 606 or 011 978 1111.

    Operating Hours: 06:00 AM to midnight, South African time. Call rates are low between 09:00PM and midnight South African time.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE: Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements. Visit www.flysaa.com for the latest information.

    General Enquiries:

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 17 November 2019 - South African Airways (SAA) will reinstate international flights to seven international destinations from Sunday night – November 17 - and has advised passengers to report to their departure airport as normal when in possession of a rebooked itinerary.

    “On behalf of South African Airways, I wish to apologise to all our passengers for the inconvenience and frustration caused by the cancellation of flights as a result of ongoing industrial action by the South African Cabin Crew Association and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa.  Our passengers deserve a smooth and a convenient service when they fly with South African Airways,” said SAA Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Saunders.

    SAA took a decision to reinstate international service on its route network after assessment of its personnel numbers who are available and willing to operate the flights. Whilst some employees are on strike and have elected to do so in exercising their rights, the airline has a duty to render services to its customers where it has employees who have elected to report for work. All employees have rights protected in law on both sides of the divide.  

    “We hope all our customers understand that the cancellations were beyond our control.  We pledged to rebook all passengers caught up in the flight cancellations. We are working hard towards this goal and we are pleased to resume flights to all our international destinations,” Saunders said.

    The seven destinations are New York, Sao Paulo, London, Frankfurt, Munich and Washington via Accra. Flights will depart from OR Tambo International Airport.

    Customers are requested not to travel to their departure airport unless in possession of a rebooked itinerary.

    SAA has been working with its sister airline, Mango, to re-accommodate as many customers as possible travelling on domestic services.

    Depending on availability, customers traveling to regional destinations are being re-accommodated on Airlink, a partner airline of SAA, and other airlines where possible.

    Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements.

    -Ends-

    ISSUED BY SAA

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG16 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) has approached the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to conciliate in the salary increment impasse at the national carrier.
    “We are happy that the Unions have embraced our proposal for a commissioner to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving our differences. The mediation will begin on Saturday morning,” said Martin Kemp, SAA Acting General Manager for Human Resources.
    “We recognise SAA and its employee’s contribution to our country’s economic growth, specifically in the context of outbound and inbound tourism. It is in the public interest that this dispute be resolved. The union’s willingness to find a resolution is laudable,” said Kemp.
    NUMSA AND SACCA have demanded an 8% salary increase. SAA has advised that the airline cannot afford to pay any increases, however, it has offered the unions a 5.9% salary increase when funds are available.

    SAA has unsuccessfully tried to dissuade the unions from embarking on industrial action by providing firm commitment dates to its offer. The unions have rejected the offer and embarked on industrial action.

    “This is a critical time for the airline, and we will not give up on saving jobs and securing a future for the airline. It will not happen on our watch that SAA’s proud history of 85 years, ends,” said Kemp.

    “Our efforts are focused on finding solutions that accommodate the employee demands, safeguard the business and return operations to normal. We are exploring all possible avenues,” said Kemp.

    Meanwhile SAA has extended the cancellation of all domestic and regional flights scheduled for Sunday 17 November and Monday 18 November 2019, but will operate all international flights departing from OR Tambo International Airport from Sunday.

    SAA will work with sister airline, Mango Airlines, to accommodate as many customers as possible travelling on domestic services.

    Customers travelling to destinations in the regional market (points on the African continent) will be accommodated on Airlink, a partner airline of SAA, and other airlines where possible.

    Customers are requested not to travel to their departure airports unless in possession of a rebooked itinerary. Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements. 

    ENDS

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard
    : +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG15 November 2019. South African Airways (SAA) has extended the cancellation of all domestic and regional flights scheduled for Sunday, 17 November and Monday, 18 November 2019.  This operational decision is aimed at minimising the impact of disruptions for the airline’s customers.
     
    The airline is pleased to announce that it is aiming to operate all international flights, departing from OR Tambo International Airport, with effect from Sunday 17 November 2019 and customers should report to OR Tambo International Airport as normal. 
     
    Departures from SAA’s international stations, including; London, New York, Washington, Munich, Frankfurt and Hong Kong, are expected to operate from Monday, 18 November 2019. The first departure from São Paulo, is expected to operate on Sunday, 17 November 2019.  The first departure from Perth, is expected to operate on Tuesday, 19 November 2019.
     
    SAA has further worked with its sister airline, Mango Airlines, to re-accommodate as many customers as possible travelling on domestic services. This may mean changes in timing and aircraft types, but aims to ensure that SAA’s customers reach their intended destination with minimal disruption. 
     
    Customers traveling to destinations in the regional market (points on the African continent) will be re-accommodated on Airlink, a partner airline of SAA, and other airlines where possible. However, it will not be possible to re-accommodate all customers. 
     
    “Passengers are advised to follow the commercial policies SAA has put in place, which can be found on www.flysaa.com.  Customers are requested not to travel to their departure airports unless in possession of a rebooked itinerary, as SAA will not be able to provide any assistance,” said Philip Saunders, SAA Chief Commercial Officer.
     
    In order to minimise the impact on customers, SAA is proactively rebooking customers and providing various options. The Call Centre hours have been extended from 6am to midnight, South African time. 
     
    As call volumes are very high, we urge customers only to contact SAA in the event they wish to rebook on another airline for immediate travel.  
     
    Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service have until 30 November 2019 to finalise their arrangements. 
     
    The Call Centre numbers are 0861 606 606 or 011 978 1111. Customers can also visit www.flysaa.com for the latest information.
     
    Passengers will be assisted as follows:
    Where possible, passengers will be rebooked onto flights operated by any of SAA’s Star Alliance partners or other airlines to travel to their final destination with minimal disruption; and
    Passengers can be rebooked onto another South African Airways flight for any flight on the same routing until 31 October 2020 at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same booking class. 
     
    The extension of cancellations is a result of ongoing industrial action by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). 
     
    -Ends- 
     
    For further information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
     
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
  • JOHANNESBURG.  14 November 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) said on Thursday a “no-work-no-pay” principle will apply to employees participating in the strike scheduled to start on Friday, 15 November and those who report for duty, will be allowed to work.

    “Those who participate in the strike action will not be permitted back to work until the strike is over,” said Martin Kemp, Acting SAA General Manager for Human Resources. “The rest of the employees who report for duty will be allowed to work,” he continued.

    SAA has cancelled all its domestic, regional and international flights scheduled for Friday, 15 November and Saturday, 16 November 2019 to minimise the impact of disruptions for its customers.

    The cancellations follow an announcement by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) that their members will embark on industrial action from Friday morning. 

    “We are putting our customers first and regret the inevitable inconvenience that these cancellations may cause our customers,” said Kemp.

    “The “no-work-no-pay” principle will apply to any employee participating in the strike action. Employees have been advised that any intimidation or assaults of other employees, damage to SAA property, or acts of misconduct will be dealt with decisively. Picketing rules will apply and these will be posted at the picketing sites,” said Kemp.  

    SAA attempted to dissuade the unions from embarking on industrial action by providing firm commitment dates to SAA’s offer of 5.9%. Discussions are continuing to resolve the wage dispute.

    Kemp said SAA will continue to spare no effort to work with the unions to find solutions that accommodate the employee demands, safeguard the business and return operations to normal. 

    ISSUED BY SAA
     
    For further information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard
    : +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service)@flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebookwww.facebook.com/flysaa

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 14 November 2019 - South African Airways (SAA) has asked passengers who had been booked to travel on all its domestic, regional and international flights on Friday and Saturday not to turn up at airports, but instead follow the airline’s travel policy to exercise their rights following the cancellation of flights because of industrial action.
     
    The cancellation of flights for two days follows an announcement by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) that their members will embark on industrial action from Friday morning.
     
    “Passengers are advised to follow our re-accommodation travel policy to exercise their rights when flights are cancelled. Customers are requested not to travel to their departure airports unless in possession of a rebooked itinerary,” said Philip Saunders, SAA Chief Commercial Officer.
     
    Passengers will be assisted as follows:
    If the customer no longer wishes to travel, the booking can be cancelled and a full refund, including taxes, will be offered; 
    Where possible, passengers will be rebooked onto flights operated by any of SAA’s Star Alliance partners to travel to their final destination with minimal disruption; 
    Passengers can be rebooked onto another South African Airways flight for any flight until 31st October 2020 at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same booking class;
    All tickets must be reissued on or before 30th November 2019;
    SAA will not be able to provide any support for special service requests or unaccompanied minors during the industrial action; and
    For up-to-date information please refer to the SAA website www.flysaa.com.
     
    “Only flights operated by South African Airways will be affected by the industrial action. All flights operated on partner airlines, including SA Express, Mango, Airlink and all codeshare partners, including flights operated by our Star Alliance partner airlines will not be affected. 
     
    “Assistance will be provided to only passengers holding a South African Airways ticket.  Customers should refer to the travel booker or agent for assistance. Customers who have booked their ticket through an SAA contact centre should contact the call centre for assistance,” said Saunders.
     
    The airline will assess the situation on an ongoing basis and customers will be kept informed of all operational developments on a daily basis. It is SAA’s aim to advise customers at least 48 hours prior to departure if their flight is cancelled. 
     
    “SAA continues to spare no effort to find solutions that accommodate the employee demands, safeguard the business and return operations to normal,” said Saunders.
     
    ISSUED BY SAA 
    For further information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 13 November 2019. South African Airways (SAA) has cancelled nearly all its domestic, regional and international flights scheduled for Friday, 15 November and Saturday, 16 November 2019. The airline’s key objective is to minimise the impact of disruptions for its customers.

    The cancellations follow an announcement by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) that their members will embark on industrial action from Friday morning. This is notwithstanding SAA’s repeated overtures to the unions to acknowledge the severity of the current situation facing the airline.

    “We are putting our customers first and regret the inevitable inconvenience that these cancellations may cause our customers. However, by acting proactively SAA can certainly help customers find alternatives,” said Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.

    “Unless alternative arrangements are in place, customers are requested not to go to their departure airports during the disruption as SAA will be unable to provide any assistance. Information on the status of our flights will be regularly updated on our website,” said Tlali.

    Only flights operated by South African Airways will be affected. All flights operated on partner airlines, including SA Express, Mango, SA Airlink and all codeshare partners, including flights operated by our Star Alliance partner airlines will not be affected. These flights can be identified by their flight numbers and will operate as normal: SA 1000 – 1999, SA 2000 – 2999, SA 7000 – 7999 and SA 8000 to 8999.

    SAA will operate flights from selected outstations on Friday 15 November 2019 back to SAA’s base, OR Tambo International Airport.  

    Regional flights, which will operate on Friday morning, will return from Maputo (SA147), Lusaka (SA067), Harare (SA025), Windhoek (SA073), and Accra (SA210).

    International flights, which will operate on Friday evening, will return from Frankfurt (SA261), New York (SA204), Munich (SA265), Hong Kong (SA287), Perth (SA281), Washington (SA210) and London (SA235).

    The airline will assess the situation on an ongoing basis and Customers will be kept informed of all operational developments on a daily basis.

    Tlali stated that, during the negotiations with the unions, SAA presented a revised offer for employees delivering a 5.9% increase subject to the availability of funds from lenders. NUMSA and SACCA are demanding an 8% increase.

    National Transport Movement (NTM) has not stated whether their members will embark on a strike or not.

    SAA attempted to dissuade the unions from embarking on industrial action by providing firm commitment dates to SAA’s offer of 5.9%. Discussions are continuing to resolve the wage matter at the time of issuing the statement.  

    SAA will spare no effort to work jointly with the labour unions to find solutions that accommodate the employee demands, safeguard the business and return operations to normal.

    -Ends-

    ISSUED BY SAA

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG, 12 November 2019 - The restructuring process and wage negotiations are separate processes. Both these processes are necessary in the context of the serious challenges currently facing South African Airways (SAA).  Our objective is to secure the future of our national airline to ensure a bright future for our company’s employees.

    The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), South African Airways Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) claimed that they had not been consulted about the restructuring process. This is not correct. It is SAA management’s full intention to respect and engage in a full consultative process.  We recognise that this is our duty as a responsible employer.

    In terms of the Labour Relations Act (LRA), a Section 189 consultation process must commence with the issuing of a written notice.

    On 11 November, SAA issued a written notice to the unions in line with the LRA. This was done after SAA scheduled a meeting with the unions on the same day. The recognised unions did not to attend. Our representative for employee relations called each of the recognised unions to inform them that the company has issued a Section 189 notice.

    It is important to mention that yesterday SAA lodged an application at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to appoint a senior commissioner who will facilitate the consultations.

    WAGE NEGOTIATIONS

    By way of background, there were nine meetings on wage negotiations since February. In the latter part of the negotiations, SAA leadership made presentations to the unions regarding the liquidity status, financial performance and progress on the Long-term Turnaround Strategy (LTTS).

    We have clearly indicated SAA’s difficult financial situation, even though we have made progress with the implementation of the Long-term Turnaround Strategy. 

    It is our hope that our unions will grasp the full extent of the situation and engage with us in finding a constructive way going forward.

    SAA has created an enabling environment of engagement with all its internal stakeholders, especially labour unions. We understand that this is a difficult time for all employees.

    SAA’s primary goal is to transform into a financially sustainable airline, with a renewed focus on driving customer centricity, commercialising the airline, route network profitability, strengthening commercial and aviation skills and a series of strategic initiatives that will refocus the organisation in driving a profit and loss ethos with a strong focus on cost management revenue and cost.

    We promise the following:

    • Consult with the Employees who are potentially affected;
    • Consult in good faith;
    • Treat all Employees with dignity and respect;
    • Comply with legislation;
    • Comply with the Company’s policies, ethics and values;
    • Communicate with all Employees regularly;
    • Consult and communicate openly and transparently; and
    • What we expect from our Employees is active engagement and participation

    THREAT OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION

    We need to address the sustained loss-making position that has persisted over the past years.  That is why we are leading a restructuring process that seeks to give this airline the future it deserves and establishing SAA once again as “Africa’s leading world-class airline.”

    We note with concern any threat by the unions to consider initiating industrial action. Let me state the reality clearly; any interruption to our operation, endangers the future of our airline; our ability to deliver our strategy and threatens every job at SAA and related industries.

    We are confident that by working together we can meet the objectives of the strategy. Now is the time for us to unite however difficult the decisions are for us as we move forward. Our shared responsibility is great and we can secure a bright future, not only for SAA but also for the country. 

    ISSUED BY DEON FREDERICKS, SAA INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG, November 11, 2019 - South African Airways has informed all its 5146 employees that it is embarking on a restructuring process which may lead to job losses.

    Acting Chief Executive Officer, Zuks Ramasia said the airline has commenced a consultation process with all employees in line with section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. The act requires an employer to consult with recognised labour unions and keep abreast employees who may be affected by the restructuring process.

    Although the process may lead to retrenchments, Ramasia said SAA hoped to minimise the impact while offering support to those who would be directly affected.

    She said SAA has faced numerous challenges over the past few years culminating in the current grave situation.  The challenges include, funding and liquidity challenges;  inability to borrow indefinitely without repaying debt; high interest costs on loans; volatile and fluctuating fuel price;  currency volatility;  insufficient revenue and cash generation in relation to operating cost; ageing fleet which is expensive to maintain and is fuel inefficient, making it difficult for SAA to compete in the market place; and aggressive international and regional competition for revenue stimulation and network optimisation.

    “In addition, SAA’s balance sheet has historically been weak and remains so despite recent substantial capital injections from the government. Our continued losses and reliance on government guarantees to borrow money from lenders, have increased the interest costs which impacts the operating cost of the business.

    “We urgently need to address ongoing lossmaking position that has subsisted over the past years.  That is why we are undergoing a restructuring process that seeks to ensure effective implementation of the accelerated Long Term Turnaround Strategy amidst the present prevailing operational challenges.

    The scope of the restructuring encompasses all SAA divisions and departments and excludes the subsidiaries; SAAT, Mango Airlines and Air Chefs,” she said.

    Ramasia said as at 1 November 2019, SAA had a total workforce of 5 149 globally.  It is difficult to estimate the number of employees who may eventually be impacted. No final decision will be taken until the consultation process is concluded. However, it is estimated that approximately 944 employees may be affected.

    In terms of the Labour Relations Act, SAA and representative trade unions may agree to select a facilitator or alternatively, request the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration to facilitate the consultation process, which may last until 11 January 2020.

    Ramasia said during the consultation process, SAA will engage meaningfully with the recognised unions and affected employees on: appropriate measures to minimise the number of retrenchments; mitigate the adverse effects of the retrenchments; the method for selecting the employees to be retrenched; the severance pay for employees that may be retrenched;   affected job categories; and the timing of retrenchments due to operational requirements, if required. 

    “These hard decisions were necessary to put SAA on a more sustainable footing while ensuring we continue to offer customers the best service. It is a matter of great regret that that we will part ways with some loyal colleagues. We are taking all possible steps to ensure these changes are managed in a caring manner and that everyone is treated with dignity,” said Ramasia.

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 31 October 2019. South African Airways (SAA) today took delivery of the first of four new Airbus A350-900s, which improves the airline’s customer offering and commercial prospects.

    “We welcome the first A350 home on South African soil. The introduction of the A350s offers a new beginning for the airline and will contribute to the airline’s operational efficiencies, and get SAA back on track. It is an important step-change as we continue to make progress to transform our business and return the airline to financial sustainability in the shortest time possible,” says Zuks Ramasia, SAA’s Acting CEO.

    The first aircraft arrived amidst much excitement with employees welcoming the new acquisition as the latest arrival to boost SAA’s fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, which presents a superior customer experience.

    The aircraft will operate on one of SAA’s ultra-long haul routes between Johannesburg and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), replacing the Airbus A340-600 on this route and will still be operated on a nonstop basis. As additional aircraft are introduced, more routes will be operated by the Airbus A350-900s.

    Business and Economy Class customers will enjoy the quieter cabin, a more relaxing environment during flight. The Airbus A350-900 is configured with a maximum of 339 seats, of which 30 are Business Class seats and 309 are Economy Class seats, with the first six rows in Economy Class offering extra legroom to provide a more comfortable experience, especially on longer flights. The Business Class cabin has lie flat beds.

    The aircraft also offers a modern In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system throughout the cabin.

    SAA is set to receive four Airbus A350-900s over a period of six weeks, and all four are expected to operate commercially by mid-December following regulatory approvals and training. SAA will operate the aircraft for three years.

    The first two aircraft are nine months old and previously flew commercially with another carrier. Aircraft number two and three are scheduled for arrival during the first week of November and the fourth aircraft will arrive in early December.

    The last two aircraft are brand new and will be delivered to SAA directly from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. These two aircraft are sub-leased from Air Mauritius and will also fly with SAA for three years.

    The commonality and common type rating between the Airbus A350-900 XWB powered aircraft and the other Airbus aircraft in SAA’s fleet translate directly into cost saving for training pilots, crew, engineers and technicians as well as for spares inventory.

    The A350-900 XWB has excellent range/payload performance on long-haul flights departing from Johannesburg (the hot-and-high consideration). SAA will achieve approximately 25% lower operating costs (cash) operating the A350-900 XWB, over a 5-year period, compared with some of its four-engine aircraft generation that has similar range and payload capabilities. 

    SAA will achieve approximately 25% savings in fuel consumption and emissions. Besides lower operating costs, it will also reduce SAA’s exposure to South Africa’s recently imposed Carbon Tax because it is more environmentally friendly and help it achieves global emissions offset mechanism targets for international aviation requirements.

    SAA will also benefit from the approximately 40% lower cost for maintaining the A350-900 XWB’s airframe over a 5-year period, that is, the aircraft excluding the engines, compared with some of its four-engine aircraft generation it will replace on the Johannesburg-New York-Johannesburg and other routes.

    The aircraft will be equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Since entering service in 2015, the Trent XWB engines have flown more than five million hours and is regarded as the world’s most efficient large aero-engine.

    “With this we extend our relationship with Rolls-Royce and the Trent family of engines by adding the Trent XWB to a fleet that already includes the Trent 700, powering the Airbus A330s,” says Ramasia.

    #SAA350

    #LookUpSAA

    #Flysaa

     

    -ends-

    ISSUED BY SAA

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 27 October 2019. South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce the launch of a codeshare partnership with Africa World Airlines (AWA) effective 27 October 2019. 

    The codeshare agreement will apply between Accra (ACC) – Kumasi (KMS), Accra - Lagos (LOS) and Accra – Abuja (ABV). The partnership is unilateral at the moment, with SAA marketing on the services of AWA as the operating carrier. SAA customers will be able to travel on the routes on one SAA ticket where travel includes Johannesburg.

    We are planning more destinations in the near future once we get the necessary approvals.

    SAA and AWA currently have an interline agreement established in 2018 and it provides seamless connections for our customers to/from Abuja, Lagos, Monrovia, Freetown, Kumasi, Tamale, Wa and Takoradi over Accra, to SAA mainline flights to/from Johannesburg and Washington.

    The establishment of the codeshare agreement will take the relationship to greater heights as it enables a smooth travel experience and more travel options for customers. Members of SAA’s frequent flyer programme Voyager, will have the opportunity to earn frequent flyer mileage on the codeshare flights.

    Growing the partnership with AWA forms part of SAA’s strategic approach of seeking partnerships with other airlines and collaborations in Africa. Currently, SAA has 24 partnerships with airlines across the globe, which offer customers access to the destinations we do not serve ourselves – and we are growing partnerships with other airlines and strengthening collaborations.             

    “South African Airways greatly values our rapidly developing partnership with Africa World Airlines. Our new codeshare agreement opens up new opportunities in West Africa, and offer exciting new services and convenient connections to our customers,” said SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Saunders.

    “Africa World Airlines is very pleased to expand our partnership with South African Airways through the introduction of this codeshare agreement. This is an important step towards providing passengers even more seamless travel options in the West African region via our hub in Accra,” said AWA's Chief Operations Officer, Sean Mendis.

    The codeshare schedule will be as follows:

    Operating Carrier

    Marketing Carrier

    Days

    ORG

    DES

    DEP

    ARR

    A/C Type

    JNB to KMS

    SA   056

     

    Tuesday (2), Thursday (4), Sunday (7)

    JNB

    ACC

    1250

    1650

    320

    AW 126

    SA 7700

    2,4,7

    ACC

    KMS

    1900

    1940

    ER4

    KMS to JNB

    AW 125

    SA 7701

    2,4,7

    KMS

    ACC

    1940

    2020

    ER4

    AW127

    SA 7703

    2,4,7

    KMS

    ACC

    2010

    2050

    ER4

    SA 057

     

    2,4,7

    ACC

    JNB

    2230

    0625+1

    320

    AW 101

    SA 7711

    daily

    KMS

    ACC

    0725

    0805

    ER4

    SA 210

     

    daily

    ACC

    JNB

    0935

    1725

    332

    JNB to LOS

    SA  056

     

    2,4,7

    JNB 

    ACC 

    1250

    1650

    320

    AW 222

    SA 7704

    2,4,7

    ACC

    LOS

    1810

    2010

    ER4

    SA 209

     

    2,4,7

    JNB 

    ACC 

    1805

    2205

    332

    AW 228

    SA 7708

    2,4,7

    ACC

    LOS

    2359

    0200+1

    ER4

    LOS to JNB

    AW 219

    SA 7705

    2,4,7

    LOS

    ACC

    1710

    1710

    ER4

    AW 223

    SA 7707

    2,4,7

    LOS

    ACC

    2040

    2040

    ER4

     SA 057

     

    2,4,7

    ACC

    JNB

    2230

    0625+1

    320

    AW 209

    SA 7713

    1,3,5

    LOS

    ACC

    0600

       0600

    ER4

    SA  210

     

    1,3,5,6

    ACC

    JNB

    0935

    1725

    332

    AW 222

    SA 7704

    daily

    ACC

    LOS

    1810

    2010

    ER4

    SA 61

     

    daily

    LOS

    JNB

    2220

    0500+1

    333

    JNB to ABV

    SA  056

     

    2,4,7

    JNB

    ACC

    1250

       1650

    320

    AW 260

    SA 7706

    2,4,7

    ACC

    ABV

    1810

    2055

    ER4

    ABV to JNB

    AW 251

    SA 7715

    1,3,5,6

    ABV

    ACC

    0745

    0830

    ER4

    SA  210

     

    1,3,5,6

    ACC

    JNB

    0935

    1725

    332

    AW 255

    SA 7709

    2,4,7

    ABV

    ACC

    1355

    1440

    ER4

    SA 057

     

    2,4,7

    ACC

    JNB

    2230

    0625+1

    320

    Days of the week, Monday = 1; +1 is the following day

    -ends-

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG, 24 OCTOBER 2019. South African Airways (SAA) flight schedule has returned to normal after the airline has ensured that majority of the aircraft that were identified for the compliance checks have been released back into service. All flights are now operating on schedule.

    A total of 25 aircraft in SAA’s fleet were identified to undergo a compliance verification process required by SACAA.  So far, 21 have undergone the compliance verification process resulting in an 84% completion rate of the identified aircraft.  The remaining four are undergoing a scheduled extended maintenance service. Their absence will not affect the airline operations, as they were not included in the schedule to allow for routine maintenance.

    SAA’s decision to recall its aircraft followed an oversight inspection conducted by SACAA at the airline’s maintenance subsidiary, South African Airways Technical (SAAT) and an audit on one aircraft operated by another carrier.

    SAA implemented contingency plans to ensure business continuity.

    The return to normal flight schedule was in place on Wednesday already as SAA’s average on-time performance was at 93% for domestic, regional and international flights and the airline operated all its flights.

    SAA once again apologises for the inconvenience caused during the past two days and will continue to update customers on an ongoing basis when required.

    SAA wishes to assure all customers that despite the compliance verification process on a specified number of aircraft by the maintenance subsidiary, South African Airways Technical (SAAT), all of the airline’s aircraft are airworthy and normal operations have been restored.

    ISSUED BY SAA

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG, 22 OCTOBER - South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that it may operate an amended flight schedule following a decision to recall some of its aircraft to undertake compliance verification in line with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) requirements.

    The decision to recall the aircraft follows an oversight inspection conducted by SACAA at SAA’s maintenance subsidiary, South African Airways Technical (SAAT).

    Some of the flights will operate later than usual and SAA has implemented its contingency plans to ensure business continuity.

    Whilst there were only four (4) domestic flight cancellations, SAA took steps to combine flights and deploy bigger aircraft to accommodate affected passengers. This has significantly reduced the impact of the inconvenience on the customers. The operational impact on the domestic flights is as per the Table below.

    SAA Schedule for Tuesday, 22 October 2019

    Flight No.

    Sector

    Status

    1. SA 313

    JNB-CPT

    Combined and passengers to fly on SA 317

    1. SA 326

    CPT-JNB

    Combined and passengers to fly on SA 332

    1. SA 543

    JNB-DUR

    Cancelled and passengers to be accommodated on other flights

    1. SA 550

    DUR-JNB

    Cancelled and passengers to be accommodated other flights

     

    SAA understands that the inspection conducted by SACAA was in accordance with its regulations and a necessary exercise to ensure compliance and safety.

    SAA apologises for the inconvenience caused to its customers and passengers.

    SAA will continue to update the situation on an ongoing basis.

    -ENDS-

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG, 15 October 2019. The board of Directors of South African Airways (SAA) wishes to correct baseless and factual inaccuracies in stories circulating in media outlets alleging “Shady dealings at SAA” and “Acting SAA board chairperson at the centre of R200m tender row.” The original story was published by the Sunday Independent newspaper.

    SAA identified the need for a professional service provider to design an appropriate management system for executives. This new performance management system would align the SAA performance management system with the Department of Public Enterprises performance guidelines.

    The board of directors wishes to clarify that although the appointment of the service provider, 21st Century, was the subject of an investigation by SAA’s internal audit department, the amount involved was R344 000 and not “more than R200-million” as reported.

    The appointment of the service provider was managed by SAA Supply Chain Management (SCM), not by the board of directors. The SCM of SAA is entirely responsible for all procurement process. Furthermore, the internal audit report makes no finding whatsoever against any individual member of REMCO, especially the SAA Acting Chairperson, Thandeka Mgoduso. Ms Mgoduso has no commercial association with 21st Century. There were also no secret meetings between Ms Mgoduso and 21st Century.

    The observations of the report will be considered by the board in due course.

    ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SAA

     

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email:               TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile:             +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office:               +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG, 10 October 2019. The board of Directors of South African Airways (SAA) wish to state categorically that the airline’s maintenance division South African Airways Technical (SAAT) did not and does not use fake parts when servicing aircraft belonging to Mango Airlines or any other airline it services.

    Our statement follows a Sunday Times story headlined “Jet scare highlights criminals in the SAA workshop.”

    We wish to assure customers that all components and parts are procured from approved suppliers and all supporting documentation complies with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) requirements on components. 

    SAA strongly refutes claims in the media that the airline admitted to possibly having been supplied with “suspect parts” or components. Whilst any acts of criminality cannot be ruled out, it is untrue that there is a known international crime syndicate that has infiltrated SAA or SAAT that is responsible for tender manipulation and/or corruption at SAA or SAAT. There is no link, direct or indirect between the aircraft incident involving the Mango flight reported on and matters that are currently under investigation at SAAT. 

    For background purposes: On 2 September 2019 a flight operated by Mango Airlines experienced technical difficulties that resulted in an air turn-back.  The event itself had a limited impact on passengers, who on the day, would have experienced a minor jolt, akin to driving through a pothole, as the flight crew disengaged autopilot to assume manual flight controls in accordance with the operating procedures of the aircraft manufacturer.  The crew noted that no significant loss of height was experienced, with Mango’s Director of Flight Operations noting a loss in elevation of less than two feet.  Mango’s flight crew handled the incident in accordance with the airline’s standard operating procedures, and the event was duly reported to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).  

    The cause of the air turn-back related to a component failure.  The part, a stabiliser trim motor, failed during the climb of the flight to its planned cruise altitude. After levelling off in the cruise the crew’s attention was drawn to a “Stab out of trim” condition. This simply notifies the crew that the autopilot is maintaining the flight condition, but that the aircraft is not trimmed correctly. The crew read the checklist which very simply instructs them to hold the control column and disconnect the autopilot, which they complied with.  

    The aircraft component that failed on the Mango flight of 2 September 2019, was legitimately procured from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. SAAT received the part from the manufacturer on 5 August 2019.  It was fitted on Mango’s aircraft on 7 August 2019 and failed after 96 flights and 125 hours of operation.

    We are awaiting feedback from the OEM – to whom the failed component has been returned to establish the cause of the component failure. Mango and SAAT are providing the required assistance to the SACAA in progressing their investigation.

    SAAT is audited, inclusive of site inspections, by independent global organisations such as the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

    It can also be confirmed that none of the independent oversight audits that Mango has performed over SAAT over the years have at any stage given rise to any finding as it relates to traceability of parts.  “In all my career spanning 20 years of flying for different airlines, including 6 years within management in Mango Airlines, I have never been made aware, nor have I ever heard any rumours of bogus or untraceable parts being used by SAA Technical or in relation to Mango aircraft,” said Captain Juan Naude, Director of Flight Operations for Mango.  

    To ensure that SAA, SAAT and Mango comply with airworthiness requirements each year, civil aviation authorities issue two certificates for every aircraft in our fleet. The first licence is the airline operating certificate and the second one is the airworthiness certificate. We have obtained and maintain both certificates. Our safety management systems, quality assurance and airworthiness records have been confirmed by regulatory authorities.

    Our commitment to the safety of our passengers and staff lies at the heart of our operations. All of our staff are accountable for the delivery of the highest level of safety performance.

    We wish to reiterate our commitment to the safety of our customers and assure the South African public that we continue to operate according to the highest possible safety standards.

    ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SAA

    For further information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service 
    Ms Bali Mabena
    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com 
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Air Chefs, a catering subsidiary of South African Airways (SAA), today successfully interdicted industrial action by one of the labour unions, NUMSA.

    The company approached the Labour court bringing an application to interdict or stop the industrial action. The interdict was granted on Monday afternoon.

    This means, should any members of NUMSA at Air Chefs continue with industrial action, before this date, this will be deemed an unprotected strike as it is not in compliance with the strike provisions according to the Labour Relations Act.

    In addition to the interdict, Air Chefs management has taken steps to activate contingency plans to ensure minimal or no impact on all operations and to Air Chefs customers including the airlines it serves, should an unprotected industrial action take place.

    At this stage, there are no operational disruptions on Monday.

    The notice to strike emanates from NUMSA’s claims of “unilateral changes to their terms and conditions of employment” in that, according to them an anniversary bonus payment arrangement has been amended unilaterally by Air Chefs.

    The bonus payment is regulated by the Catering and Allied Bargaining Council Collective agreement and is therefore not a matter of mutual interest that NUMSA may strike over. Air Chefs’ position is that it is not in breach of the collective agreement relating to bonus payments but is in strict compliance thereto. Any dispute NUMSA may have on this matter must be adjudicated at the Bargaining Council through conciliation and arbitration.

    Air Chefs remains committed to continued discussions with all unions represented in Air Chefs and will continue to conduct regular engagements with Labour.

    Air Chefs apologises for any inconvenience caused by messages suggesting there would be operational disruptions.

    -ends-

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • South African Airways Technical (SAAT) and its parent company, South African Airways (SAA), are aware of an unfortunate YouTube video linking the new Chief Executive Officer of the airline’s maintenance subsidiary, Mr Adam Voss, to a helicopter accident that occurred in 2011.

    The video is not only defamatory but contains claims that are factually baseless and untrue about SAA, SAAT and Mr Voss.

    SAAT and SAA find it disconcerting, disturbing and distressing that the YouTube video narrator opportunistically made comments insinuating that Mr Voss may have been complicit in the events that led to that helicopter accident. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the video was produced to slander and impugn the reputation of Mr Voss and to damage the image of both SAAT and SAA.

    SAA and Mr Voss are exploring all options, including legal action to get the video expunged from circulation.

    SAA has investigated and verified certain claims made in the video and is satisfied that the appointment of Mr Voss, who joined the airline on 1 July, followed a recruitment and selection process provided for in the company’s Human Resources policy.

    Mr Voss brings a wealth of technical aviation experience gained from working in senior executive engineering and maintenance positions around the world at prominent companies. His extensive and demonstrable track record of delivering sustainable results, effective in leading turnaround situations, has a strong quality, safety, commercial, and profit-orientated motivation. His appointment at SAAT is intended to enhance executive capacity to deliver on the turnaround plans.

    Once the YouTube video surfaced, Mr Voss voluntarily provided factual perspective and context to adverse claims made against him. The fatal helicopter crash was operated by two pilots and occurred 2 years after Mr Voss left the mining company. The contracted helicopter company for the mining company was furthermore different to the helicopter company with whom the mining company was contracted during Mr Voss’ tenure.

    Also claims in the video that SAA had reprimanded its pilots for reporting snags are without basis or merit. Pilots are trained professionals who know and understand their responsibilities and legal obligations in terms of civil aviation laws.

    It is wild speculation to suggest that SAA pilots operate un-airworthy aircraft and that they are labelled as racists when snags are raised during pre-flight aircraft inspections. SAA has a zero tolerance approach towards racism and will take steps immediately against anyone within the company who is racist or makes racist slurs.

    SAA is subject to regulatory audits conducted routinely by independent regulators in the industry in all markets where SAA operates across the world.  SAA has recently been audited and found to be fully compliant, hence SAA continues to fly in all markets it serves.

    -Ends-

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce the expansion of the codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles (HM) to New York effective 1 November 2019. SAA will be the operating carrier on the Johannesburg (JNB) – New York (JFK) sector and Air Seychelles will be the marketing carrier. The codeshare flights will open for sale on 15 October 2019 and the effective date of travel will be from 1 November 2019.

    The codeshare agreement between the two airlines has been in existence since 2013. SAA has been a marketing carrier between Johannesburg and Seychelles - Praslin Island operated by Air Seychelles whilst Air Seychelles has been a marketing carrier on Cape Town, Durban, Windhoek and Perth services operated by SAA. The New York expansion will further enhance the codeshare partnership by providing easy connections and a smooth travel experience for travellers during their entire journey. 

    The New York schedule will be as follows:

    Operating Carrier

    Marketing Carrier

    Day of Week

    Origin

    Destination

    Departure Time

    Arrival Time

    HM061

    SA7209

    DAILY

    SEZ

    JNB

    09h25

    13h30

    SA203

    HM6441

    DAILY

    JNB

    JFK

    21h05

    06h40

    (next day)

    SA204

    HM6440

    DAILY

    JFK

    JNB

    11h15

    08h05

    (next day)

    HM060

    SA7210

    DAILY

    JNB

    SEZ

    13h45

    20h40

    • All times as per origin / destination.

    We are delighted to announce the expansion of our codeshare agreements with Air Seychelles. This move provides customers with seamless connections between the Seychelles and the US East Coast.  As a result, SAA and its partners are well-positioned to strengthen our New York route. This augurs well with our efforts to focus on route performance and profitability as part of our initiatives to implement our turnaround strategy.” says Philip Saunders, Chief Commercial Officer at SAA.                 

    Charles Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at Air Seychelles said: “Adding JFK into the Air Seychelles network will provide more accessibility to travellers from the US to travel to the Seychelles in addition to bringing more visibility about destination Seychelles through the joint marketing efforts that will build awareness about the new codeshare partnership.

    “For over five years now we have partnered with South African Airways, and thank them for their continuous support in enabling Air Seychelles to expand its network reach and we look forward to maintaining the successful partnership.”

    -Ends-

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    About Air Seychelles

    Air Seychelles was established in 1978 and began long-haul service in 1983. The airline currently offers international flights to Johannesburg, Mauritius and Mumbai. The airline is also offering seasonal flights to Madagascar until 26 October 2019. Air Seychelles offers more than 350 domestic scheduled flights a week throughout the archipelago, including domestic charter services.  As the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, Air Seychelles is a pillar of tourism, the island nation’s strongest and growing economic sector. The airline maintains a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and 40 per cent stakeholder. For more information, please visit: www.airseychelles.com

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

    Air Seychelles:

    Media Inquiries

    Sheryl Barra

    Head of Corporate Affairs

    Email: sbarra@airseychelles.com

    Tel:  +248 439-1072

    Mobile:  +248 257-6398

  • JOHANNESBURG. 27 September 2019. SAA has noted the statements made by South African Airways Pilots’ Association (SAAPA) in the media. We are disappointed that this has been placed in the public domain while we continue to engage meaningfully with SAAPA on a number of issues. We are in the middle of the negotiation process and we would prefer to see that the process run its natural course before any statements are made by the parties.

    However, given that SAAPA has raised a number of issues publicly, SAA would like to set the record straight and state as follows:          

    1. We accept that SAA is facing a number of challenges on many fronts, including revenue stimulation and network optimisation. To address this challenge, an experienced executive with responsibility for this area has started in September 2019. 
    2. SAA has taken steps to bring in required capacity to strengthen management and this is widely known and seen within the company. We all must acknowledge that the appointment processes take time, as due process has to be followed. Notwithstanding, a number of key appointments, including the Chief Commercial Officer, the CEO of SAA Technical, the CEO of Mango, have been announced and more executive hires are in the pipeline. 
    3. Management continues to engage with SAAPA, other unions and all employees in sharing progress being made and mechanisms being developed to address the many other challenges. Inputs from all interested parties in the company are welcomed and given due consideration. 
    4. SAA wants to assure the public, its employees and SAAPA that we are cognisant of the need to turn SAA around urgently, hence the accelerated Long-term Turnaround Strategy (LTTS) implementation. 
    5. We are committed to building a strong and resilient SAA in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration. The board and the executive are seized with this urgent task and we urge SAAPA to continue with the constructive engagements they have had with the company. 
    6. It is in no one’s interest to embark on industrial action. We would hope that everyone is committed to the philosophy and course of action set out above, which we believe is supported by all key stakeholders.

    -Ends-

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For further information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    SAA Customer Service

    Ms Bali Mabena

    Email: saacustomerservice@flysaa.com or BaliMabena@flysaa.com
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2888 or 0860 003 146

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 459-3137

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 23 August 2019. South African Airways (SAA) operations to Blantyre, Malawi, remains affected by maintenance and upgrade work at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.
     
    The Malawian airport authorities recently notified SAA that the main runway in Blantyre will remain closed for an extended period until 31 October 2019 for maintenance and rehabilitation. It is the same runway, which SAA uses, and was originally closed on 24 April 2019. 
     
    SAA has therefore made alternative travel arrangements to ensure continued operations to and from Blantyre and to mitigate further impact of the runway closure on its customers and passengers. 
     
    “SAA’s customers will therefore travel between Johannesburg and Lilongwe on SAA operated aircraft and further travel between Lilongwe and Blantyre on Ethiopian Airlines, for the period 31 August 2019 until 31 October 2019. This is an interim travel plan intended to avoid any service disruptions,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.
    The Ethiopian Airlines is SAA’s partner airline in that market and there is an interline agreement to seamlessly facilitate customer transfers between the two airlines. 
     
    SAA operates daily flights between Johannesburg and Lilongwe and the airline offers both business and economy class product and service on the route operated on Airbus A320/A319 aircraft.  
     
    Re- accommodation conditions 
     
    Un-ticketed passengers: 
    All passengers who have not been ticketed will be rebooked onto the next available flight.  
     
    A) Ticketed Individual passengers and groups
    Rebooking Conditions Applicable:
     
    SAA will rebook affected passengers between Johannesburg and Lilongwe;
    Re-accommodation of reservations has been made by SAA onto the closest available flight between Johannesburg and Lilongwe in the same booking class. 
    The booking owner can book ET between LLW and BLZ in the lowest available booking class
    Change fees will be waivered
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 02 September 2019. The booking owner may re-issue the ticket. 
    Tickets to be endorsed “INVOL Re-RRT due BLZ RUNWAY Closure/Date”.
    A full refund of the unused portion/ticket will only be considered once the aforementioned options have been considered. 
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa  
    • Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
    • Blantyre | +265 1820 991
     
    “We apologize to our valued customers for any inconvenience caused by these operational changes. We will continue to look for ways of minimizing the impact of operational changes to enable us to offer more travel convenience for customers,” concluded Tlali. 
     
    -Ends-
     
    About South African Airways
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For further information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • FRANKFURT, Germany – 19 August 2019 –Brazilian airline Ocean Air Linhas Aéreas S/A, headquartered in São Paulo and formerly doing business as Avianca Brasil, will formally leave Star Alliance with effect from 1 September 2019.

    Ocean Air’s withdrawal follows several months of bankruptcy protection and the withdrawal of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by Brazilian regulator ANAC.

    The Star Alliance network maintains a significant and long-time presence in the Brazilian market continuously since its founding in 1997.

    As of 1 September 2019, the Alliance will number 27 member airlines.

    Jeffrey Goh, CEO Star Alliance, said: “Initially joining Star Alliance in 2015, Avianca Brasil made important contributions to our customer proposition in the Brazilian market, and we regret this unfortunate development.

    “I wish to stress that the exit of Avianca Brasil in no way affects the membership of Avianca S.A., our valued member based in Bogota, Colombia, which continues to be a significant contributor to the Alliance in South America."

    Eleven of the Star Alliance member airlines offer direct services to and from Brazil, namely: Air Canada, Avianca, Air China, Copa Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, South African Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines and United. 

    Taken together, Star Alliance member airlines operate 588 weekly flights from 11 domestic points in Brazil to 17 Star Alliance hubs, offering connections to a further 738 international destinations, more than any other airline alliance.

    -Ends-

    About Star Alliance:
    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, , Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Ocean Air Linhas Aéreas S/A (formerly doing business as Avianca Brasil),  Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 19,000 daily flights to more than 1,300 airports in 194 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines. 

    Further information can be obtained via:

    Star Alliance Press Office
    Tel: +49 69 96375 183
    Fax: +49 69 96375 683
    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com
    www.staralliance.com
    Twitter @staralliance https://twitter.com/staralliance
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/staralliance
    LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/company/staralliance
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staralliancenetwork
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/staralliance/

  • JOHANNESBURG. 14 August 2019. South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce that it will resume flights between Johannesburg and Hong Kong from Wednesday (today), 14 August 2019.  
     
    “We welcome this development and are relieved to reinstate our operations. We will now be able to transport our passengers and provide air transport service to our customers following the suspension of services in the past two days,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali. 
     
    SAA has been notified by the authorities in Hong Kong that steps have been taken to secure normal operations at the Hong Kong International Airport and that additional security measures have been put in place. This makes it possible for the airport and airlines to reinstate their services and to operate as per normal.  
     
    The airline will provide all necessary assistance to all its booked passengers, including those who may need to travel to points beyond Johannesburg and Hong Kong. 
     
    “We are doing everything possible to facilitate travel for all passengers who could not travel in the last two days,” explained Tlali. 
     
    The following flights will operate as per published schedule:
    SA287 14 August 2019 Hong Kong to Johannesburg | Scheduled time of departure 23h55 (SA time) or 15h55 UTC
    SA286 14 August   Johannesburg to Hong Kong | Scheduled time of departure 17h35 (SA time) or 15h35 UTC
     
    To ensure that we keep you informed by email and/or SMS , we encourage our customers to update contact details on https://www.flysaa.com/manage-fly/manage/booking-management.
     
    Assistance will be provided to all ticketed customers holding a South African Airways ticket (only) via any SAA Call Centre, City Travel Office or your own Travel Agent.
     
    Contact details 
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
     
    Hong Kong
     
    City Ticketing Office | +852 2877 3277
     
    Rebooking Conditions
     
    For SAA tickets issued on/before 13 August 2019
     
    A) Ticketed Individual passengers and groups
    Rebooking Conditions:
    SAA will rebook affected passengers onto alternative flights/dates between HKG-JNB-HKG. 
    Re-accommodation will be made by South African Airways onto the SAA flight and booking class as per originally booked. 
    Change of cabin will not be permitted.
    Change fees will be waivered.
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 16 August 2019. The issuing agent may re-issue the ticket. 
    The new travel date must be on/before 4 September 2019. 
    Tickets to be endorsed “INVOL due HKG Protest/Date”.
     
    B) Cancelation and Refund 
    Totally unused tickets will receive 100% refund.  
     
    “SAA apologises for the inconvenience our passengers and customers endured during the period of suspension of its services,” Tlali concluded.
     
    -End-
     
    About South African Airways
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
    For further information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Websitewww.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 13 August 2019. South African Airways (SAA) would like to advise all passengers and customers that its flights between Johannesburg and Hong Kong, which have been scheduled to operate on Tuesday, 13 August 2019 remain cancelled following yesterday’s cancellations. 
     
    The decision follows an update SAA received from the Airport Authorities in Hong Kong indicating that the conditions at the Hong Kong International Airport are not conducive for the airport and the airlines to run their operations as per normal.
     
    “Whilst the airport and the airspace remain open, it is not possible to operate passenger flights in or out of Hong Kong as in some cases, terminals have been blocked and access to check in counters is not possible due to demonstrations taking place at the airport,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.  
     
    The following flights have been affected:
    SA287 13 August 2019 Hong Kong to Johannesburg | Scheduled time of departure 23h55 (SA time) or 21h55 UTC
    SA286 13 August   Johannesburg to Hong Kong | Scheduled time of departure 17h35 (SA time) or 15h35 UTC
     
    To ensure that we keep you informed by email and/or SMS , we encourage our customers to update contact details on https://www.flysaa.com/manage-fly/manage/booking-management.
     
    Assistance will be provided to all ticketed customers holding a South African Airways ticket (only) via any SAA Call Centre, City Travel Office or your own Travel Agent.
     
    Contact details 
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
     
    Hong Kong
     
    City Ticketing Office | +852 2877 3277
     
    Rebooking Conditions
     
    For SAA tickets issued on/before 13 August 2019
     
    A) Ticketed Individual passengers and groups
    Rebooking Conditions:
    SAA will rebook affected passengers onto alternative flights/dates between HKG-JNB-HKG. 
    Re-accommodation will be made by South African Airways onto the SAA flight and booking class as per originally booked. 
    Change of cabin will not be permitted.
    Change fees will be waivered.
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 16 August 2019. The issuing agent may re-issue the ticket. 
    The new travel date must be on/before 4 September 2019. 
    Tickets to be endorsed “INVOL due HKG Protest/Date”.
     
    B) Cancelation and Refund 
    Totally unused tickets will receive 100% refund.  
     
    “SAA regrets the inconvenience caused to its customers and passengers as a result of these cancellations and will provide updates as and when new information becomes available,” Tlali added.
     
    The airline will resume its flights as soon as the situation returns to normal.  
     
    -End-
     
    About South African Airways
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For further information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 12 August 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises its passengers and customers that the airline received notification of protest action affecting Hong Kong International Airport. The authorities in Hong Kong have suspended air operations to and from Hong Kong International Airport.
     
    “Based on the suspension of air services, SAA’s operations between Hong Kong and Johannesburg for 12 August 2019 have been cancelled,” said SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.
     
    The following flights have been affected:
    SA287 12 August 2019 Hong Kong to Johannesburg | Scheduled time of departure 23h55
    SA286 12 August   Johannesburg to Hong Kong | Scheduled time of departure 17h35
     
    To ensure that we keep you informed by email and/or SMS , we encourage our customers to update contact details on https://www.flysaa.com/manage-fly/manage/booking-management.
     
    Assistance will be provided to all ticketed customers holding a South African Airways ticket (only) via any SAA Call Centre, City Travel Office or your own Travel Agent.
     
    Contact details 
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
     
    Hong Kong
     
    City Ticketing Office | +852 2877 3277
     
    Rebooking Conditions
     
    For SAA tickets issued on/before 16 August 2019
     
    Rebook onto another South African Airways flight for a later date at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same cabin
    Change of cabin will not be permitted
    Change of routing will not be permitted
    This policy is applicable to South African Airways flights only, issued on SA (083) ticket stock and not on separate tickets of other airlines 
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 16 August 2019
    Travel must commence on/before 16 August 2019
    No waiver on cancellation and refund applications
     
    “SAA will monitor the situation continuously and will be in constant liaison with the authorities in Hong Kong to receive updates and to know when we could resume operations,” Tlali added. 
     
    “We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this operational disruption and encourage all customers to visit the website for all flight updates and or flight cancellations”. 
     
    -End-
     
    About South African Airways
     
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For further information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 8 August 2019. South African Airways (SAA) is further strengthening its presence in Ghana by increasing weekly frequencies from 9 to 10 flights between Johannesburg and Accra, and by launching a daily service between Accra and Washington DC, with effect from 5th September 2019. 

    All services to Washington DC commence in Johannesburg with a short stopover in Accra.

    These two additional weekly services to Washington DC provide SAA’s most convenient schedule yet between Ghana and North America, and will also deliver seamless connections for customers from across West Africa. This includes connections to/from Abuja and Lagos in Nigeria; to/from Monrovia in Liberia; and to/from Freetown in Sierra Leone. This important strategic milestone has been made possible through SAA’s growing co-operation and partnership with Africa World Airlines (AWA).

    At the same time, SAA is examining new opportunities to connect Dakar services through our Accra base. Whilst these plans are finalised, SAA will temporarily suspend services between Johannesburg and Dakar, with effect from 5th September 2019.

    Welcoming these developments, SAA’s Acting CEO, Zuks Ramasia, stated: “One of the key pillars of our strategy is to connect South Africa to West Africa and beyond to North America. Our partnership with Africa World Airlines (AWA) continues to deepen with these new schedules and benefits customers across the African Continent.”

    Sean Mendis, Chief Operating Officer at Africa World Airlines, is in agreement: “Expanding our co-operation with SAA means that passengers can enjoy quick and seamless connections between AWA and SAA flights in Accra’s new Terminal 3.”

    The new schedule will operate as below (local times):

    SA209 (Daily)
    Johannesburg (JNB) departs 18h30 to Accra (ACC), arrives 22h35 
    Accra (ACC) departs 23h35 to Washington Dulles (IAD), arrives 06h25 (next day)

    SA210 (Daily)
    Washington Dulles (IAD) departs 17h40 to Accra (ACC), arrives 08h10 (next day)
    Accra (ACC) departs 09h10 to Johannesburg (JNB), arrives 16h55

    SA056 (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays)
    Johannesburg (JNB) departs 13h05 to Accra (ACC), arrives 17h10
    Accra (ACC) departs 18h10 to Abidjan (ABJ), arrives 19h10

    SA057 (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays)
    Abidjan (ABJ) departs 20h20 to Accra (ACC), arrives 21h20
    Accra (ACC) departs 22h20  to Johannesburg (JNB), arrives 06h05 (next day)

    These schedules are being published simultaneously across all SAA Distribution Channels.

    Ticketed SAA customers travelling between Johannesburg and Washington DC via Dakar (Blaise Diagne International) and those travelling between Johannesburg and Dakar, will be contacted and re-routed or re-accommodated as appropriate. Full details can be found at www.flysaa.com.

    -End-

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For further information please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 6 August 2019. South African Airways (SAA) would like to apologize to all its passengers for the inconvenience and anxiety caused to all its customers who flew from Johannesburg and Accra to Washington D.C. on Sunday. 

    Two unconnected incidents contributed to the delay in departure from Accra on Sunday night. The first was damage to the aircraft door and subsequent to that, a technical problem occurred which led to a decision to night-stop in Accra whilst waiting for a replacement aircraft.  

    SAA operated a scheduled flight, SA 209 on Sunday from Johannesburg to Washington D.C. via Accra. The flight operated in a normal way from Johannesburg to Accra using Airbus A330-200. 

    Whilst on the ground in Accra, there was a delay which lasted for approximately three hours after an aircraft door was damaged by a catering truck operated by SAA’s service provider at that airport. The aircraft door was fixed, inspected and found to be in working order to operate. 

    The stop-over in Accra en route to the United States is part of SAA’s operations in that market and serves to offload and pick up passengers as well as to refuel. 

    After refuelling, the aircraft took off at approximately 03h13 UTC but soon returned to the airport in Accra when the cockpit crew noticed that the aircraft was experiencing a technical problem, which was detected in the cockpit. The operating crew followed standard operating procedures in cases of emergencies throughout and landed the aircraft safely as soon as possible. 

    The incident led to an operational decision that it was undesirable to continue to operate the flight to Washington D.C. 

    There is no information or basis to make a connection between damage to the aircraft door and the technical problem experienced in the cockpit while the aircraft was airborne. 
    Contrary to reports on social media and other platforms, SAA would like to reiterate that there was no fire in the cockpit. No one was injured and the aircraft made an air-turn back and landed safely in Accra with all 223 passengers on board and the operating crew.

    The aircraft is still on the ground in Accra and is being attended to by the technicians to establish the cause of the technical problem. 

    SAA provided hotel accommodation to its customers in Accra and provided other services to mitigate the impact of the inconvenience to our passengers. In addition, SAA dispatched a replacement aircraft from Johannesburg to Accra to fly the passengers to their final destination. 

    The flight departed from Accra at 18h01 UTC on Monday, operated as SA9209 and has landed in Washington D.C. on Tuesday at 04h21 UTC.

    Whilst the incidents could not have been foreseen, the decision was taken based on safety considerations, in the best interests of passengers and crew. 

    SAA is grateful that our crew followed every safety procedure and did not discount anything.   

    -Ends-

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 4 July 2019. South African Airways (SAA) has signed codeshare and Frequent Flyer agreements with Brazilian airline Gol - Linhas Aéreas (GOL).

    The agreement will enable SAA to add its code on flights operated by GOL in the Brazilian territory, which will allow SAA customers to integrate their travel with easy connections on flights of both carriers. The codeshare is effective from today and tickets can already be purchased through all SAA sales channels including flysaa.com.

    The agreement makes it possible for SAA to add its code on 20 connecting flights in Brazil operated by GOL, including Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, and Florianópolis, among others. The codeshare with the leading carrier in the domestic Brazilian market extends SAA’s reach throughout Brazil.

    Besides the codeshare, the signed Frequent Flyer Programme ("FFP") agreement offers members of each airline’s programmes, Voyager from SAA and Smiles from GOL, the opportunity to accrue and redeem miles. Customers from Smiles can accrue and redeem miles on flights operated by SAA to Africa, Asia and Australia, and Voyager members can accrue and redeem Voyager miles on flights operated by GOL.

    “We are extremely pleased with this agreement which comes at an opportune time and gives strategic impetus to our strategy of growing partnerships globally to offer our customers more travel options. It is an important step in the execution of our strategy and gives our customers, through our direct flights to Sao Paulo, a number of further travel options to explore Brazil. In turn, the mutually beneficial agreement offers GOL customers the chance to explore the riches of Africa,” says Zuks Ramasia, SAA acting Chief Executive Officer.

    “The partnership with South African Airways is in line with our commitment to offer a larger international connectivity, with quality of service and integrated products of each carrier. Thus, we enable more destinations options and connectivity bringing more benefits to our clients, with more agility and the smart use of time on their trips,” says Randall Saenz Aguero, GOL’s Director of Alliances, International Expansion and Distribution.

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Johannesburg, 2 July 2019. The Board of South African Airways supports the appointment made by the Board of Mango Airlines SOC of Mr Nico Bezuidenhout as Chief Executive Officer effective 1 October 2019.  

    This latest appointment of a permanent CEO at Mango, a subsidiary low-cost airline wholly owned by South African Airways, is a further step in stabilising leadership and strengthening the executive capacity of the Group.

    “We are pleased to welcome Nico Bezuidenhout back into the SAA Group. His appointment will advance the implementation of the turnaround strategy of SAA Group,” said SAA Board Chairman JB Magwaza.

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson Mr Tlali Tlali

    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com

    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 30 June 2019. South African Airways (SAA) is introducing the latest technology, available in ultra-long-haul aircraft, hailing exciting news for customers travelling nonstop between Johannesburg and New York JFK.

    SAA will supplement its existing long-haul fleet with new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are modern, twin-engine, and wide-body aircraft. These new-generation aircraft boast fuel-efficiency and other benefits and advantages. The aircraft will operate on one of SAA’s ultra-long haul routes between Johannesburg and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), replacing the A340-600 aircraft on this route and will still be operated on a nonstop basis.

    “The introduction of these state-of-the-art aircraft to our fleet is an important step-change as we continue to make progress to transform our business and return the airline to financial sustainability in the shortest time possible.

    “These aircraft present an immediate opportunity to offer an improved product between Johannesburg and New York which will be accompanied by unmatched and consistent customer experience for both Business and Economy Class customers,” says acting SAA CEO, Zukisa Ramasia.

    The Airbus A350-900 is the world's premier aircraft and offers the highest levels of customer and crew comfort combined with excellent economics for ultra-long-haul flights. The aircraft also offers a modern In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system throughout the cabin.

    The A350 has the latest offering in safety, maintenance and efficiency (technology). These aircraft present an opportunity for SAA to reduce fuel burn by approximately 20% compared to the aircraft currently operating on that route. This will translate into significant cost savings that will contribute towards improved operating costs and financial performance. In addition, the significance of this development is that it will add to a positive environmental impact, as SAA will also reduce its carbon emissions.

    SAA will lease the aircraft for up to three years.

    The A350 configuration has 246 Economy Class seats with the first six rows offering extra legroom to provide a more comfortable experience, especially on longer flights. The Business Class cabin has lie flat beds.

    SAA will take delivery of the aircraft in the second half of 2019. The aircraft will be operational in SAA’s branding as soon as SAA has met the regulatory authority requirements.

    “We are proud to offer our customers the latest generation aircraft with a modern product, including a quieter cabin, a more relaxing environment during flight, and the latest in-flight entertainment,” concludes Ramasia.

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson Mr Tlali Tlali

    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com

    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

     

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 19 June 2019. South African Airways (SAA) has claimed the Skytrax award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa for the seventh time, reaffirming its vision as the leading airline on the African continent.

    SAA is an award-winning airline and is proud of the number of awards it wins annually.

    In addition to the award as Best Airline Staff in Africa 2019, SAA also won awards for Best Cabin Crew in Africa 2019; Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Africa 2019, and Best Business Class Lounge in Africa 2019.

    Ms Zuks Ramasia, SAA Acting CEO received the prestigious award at the 2019 World Airline Awards held at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France.

    “We are immensely proud to win – for the seventh time - the Best Airline Staff Service in Africa award at the annual World Airline Awards hosted by Skytrax, known as the Oscars of the aviation industry. This award is dedicated to all our diligent and passionate employees, especially our front-line staff, who make a tremendous difference to the travel experience of our customers,” said Ramasia.

    The Best Airline Staff Service award recognises service excellence across the entire spectrum of front-line customer service touch points. The award covers South African Airways’ staff service for both airport and on-board experience. Customer satisfaction scoring evaluates all aspects of staff service efficiency, friendliness and service hospitality, staff language skills and overall quality consistency for the airline's staff.

    Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said; “This is a major recognition for the thousands of South African Airways front-line staff who are responsible for serving customers, both in the airport and on-board environment. Achieving this top ranked consistency is not an easy task in the airline business, and it is a great accolade for South African Airways to have achieved this major recognition from customers.”

    Star Alliance, an international airline network alliance of which SAA is a member airline, also claimed the Best Airline Alliance title at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, for the fourth year running. The Alliance’s prestigious Los Angeles Lounge retained the Best Airline Alliance Lounge Award for the fifth year in a row.

    SAA is a 4-Star airline, and has maintained this ranking, in both Business and Economy Class for 17 consecutive years. Given that the highest rating that can be achieved is 5 Stars, this accolade demonstrates that the airline is maintaining its efforts to deliver excellent customer service and products.

    The past weekend SAA was also named the Coolest Domestic Airline at the Sunday Times Gen Next Awards, which is the leading barometer of youth sentiment in South Africa. The airline’s in-flight magazine, Sawubona, in early June won the award for Africa’s Leading In-Flight Magazine at the World Travel Awards™ (WTA) for the fifth year in a row.

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    Awards SAA won in 2018
    •December 2018 - SAA recognized as “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa”: October 2018 - SAA’s inflight magazine Sawubona scoops an award for 4th consecutive year at World Travel Awards™
    •July 2018 Star Alliance again voted best alliance – 17 member carriers claim 49 awards.
    •July 2018 - SAA voted Best Airline Staff in Africa
    •April 2018 - SAA awarded 4-Star Skytrax ranking 16 times

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Paris, France  – June 18th, 2019 –  For the fourth year running, Star Alliance has claimed the Best Airline Alliance title at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, with the Alliance’s prestigious Los Angeles Lounge retaining the Best Airline Alliance Lounge Award for the fifth year in a row.

    Upon accepting the honour at the 53rd Paris Air Show, Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh, said: “This award would not have been possible without the trust and loyalty of the many hundreds of millions of customers that fly the Star Alliance network each year. To them, I take this opportunity to express our thanks. It is their confidence in what we have to offer that has made us the World’s Best Airline Alliance for the fourth consecutive year and an affirmation of our efforts and innovation to further improve their journey.”

    Goh also paid tribute to the “vigour and dedication of the Star Alliance workforce, who consistently go to great lengths to make the customer journey more efficient, seamless and enjoyable every day. We benefit from the diverse strengths of over 430,000 proud employees across our 28 member airlines, which affords us the capacity to offer a holistically unrivalled passenger experience.”

    The World Airline Awards were introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that was truly global. Travellers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to decide the award winners.

    Star Alliance was the first airline alliance to receive the Best Alliance Award from Skytrax when the category was first introduced in 2005.

    Over 100 customer nationalities participated in the latest survey with 21.65 million eligible entries counted in the results. More than 300 airlines are featured in the survey results.

    Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: "We congratulate Star Alliance for their remarkable achievement in winning the world's Best Airline Alliance title for the fourth consecutive year, and this underlines the fact that they are delivering a range of products and services to customers which are popular. Star Alliance have now won this coveted award ten times since 2005 and remain at the forefront of the global airline alliances. The other success for Star Alliance was receiving the award for the Best Airline Alliance Lounge, which was won by the Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles again this year.”

    Complementing the Alliance awards, 15 Star Alliance member carriers received distinctions in 46 categories.


    The full list of awards is available at:

    https://www.worldairlineawards.com/a-z-airline-awards-winners-2019/


    Photo: Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh flanked by member airlines cabin crew

    -Ends-


    About Star Alliance:

    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 19,000 daily flights to more than 1,300 airports in 194 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.


    Further information can be obtained via:

    Star Alliance Press Office

    Tel: +49 69 96375 183

    Fax: +49 69 96375 683

    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com

    www.staralliance.com

    Twitter @staralliance https://twitter.com/staralliance

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/staralliance

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staralliance
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staralliancenetwork

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/staralliance/

  • JOHANNESBURG. 18 June 2019. South African Airways (SAA) has noted with deep sense of disappointment comments attributed to the airline's pilots’ association, South African Airways Pilots’ Association (SAAPA) on the appointment of Ms Zukisa Ramasia as the acting Group CEO. These statements could hurt the airline more as the aviation industry is extremely sensitive to negative sentiment, especially around business continuity. 

    The comments made are most unhelpful in the current climate the airline finds itself. Such statements are unnecessary, opportunistic and laden in hypocrisy.

    Whilst the comments are professionally disparaging against Ms Ramasia, on close examination, they appear to suggest a vote of no confidence against the Board. This is an attempt to usurp the Board’s authority and responsibility and must be rejected.  


    Ms Ramasia is the most senior and experienced executive at SAA and before her acting appointment, occupied one of the critical portfolios, the airline's global operations. In addition, she was a natural choice to act on occasions when the former CEO (Vuyani Jarana) was away. She was never found wanting. Those who criticize her have not even allowed her reasonable space to perform her duties and deemed it necessary to attack her after she has assumed her new role for less than a week. The claims about her lack of skills and therefore suitability are both baseless and premature.

    The position adopted by SAAPA gives rise to the suspicion that they represent an anti-transformation agenda and this easily finds expression, even under transitional arrangements when SAA is moving with speed to find a permanent CEO. We are disappointed but not surprised.

    SAA has created an enabling environment of engagement with all its internal stakeholders, especially labour unions. It is disconcerting that the framework and platforms for engagement have been ignored.


    SAAPA’s comments are not helping but hurting the airline. They create market anxiety associated with leadership instability at the airline. The ultimate victim is the airline and all its ordinary employees caused by incessant assaults on the brand.

    SAA has too many challenges and appeals to all concerned to desist from making threats of embarking on industrial action. We cannot condone anything that seeks to diminish the airline’s chances to compete and significantly hurt its commercial interests.


    Management, labour and employees in general must avoid any distraction and focus on the implementation of the strategy. It is in the interests of all at SAA to work towards the recovery of the airline, and not its demise.


    SAA calls on SAAPA to reconsider its stance and urges the rest of the labour unions to participate in constructive engagements and contribute towards finding lasting solutions for the airline.

    -Ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs


    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com


    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL (May 30, 2019)  South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa and Alaska Airlines, the fifth largest airline in the United States, announced today that they have established a new interline partnership, which provides new and convenient flight options for both SAA and Alaska’s customers traveling between North America and Africa.  With immediate effect, customers will be able to purchase a single itinerary for travel on flights of both carriers in one simple transaction and enjoy connections via New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington-Dulles International Airport between Alaska Airlines’ expansive North American network and over 75 destinations in Africa served by SAA and its regional partners. SAA and Alaska Airlines will now offer more options for travel between destinations throughout Africa and key markets on the west coast of the U.S. including; Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland.

    This new relationship will offer increased convenience to customers by allowing travel on one single electronic ticket and through interline baggage transfer upon check-in with either SAA or Alaska Airlines in the U.S. or Africa. New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington-Dulles airports are SAA’s North American gateways to Africa, and the new interline partnership with Alaska Airlines will provide connections and a smooth travel experience for travelers during their entire journey.

    Alaska prides itself on delivering low fares with great value and genuine, caring service. Onboard, guests can enjoy food and drinks crafted with a range of refreshing, bright flavors inspired by West Coast ingredients. With Alaska's inflight entertainment, flyers can watch more than 500 movies and TV shows – all for free on their own devices, and enjoy free texting while in the air.

    “This interline partnership will enable SAA and Alaska Airlines to expand their route networks to provide some of the quickest and most convenient connections between many west coast U.S. cities and some truly amazing destinations throughout Africa,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president-North America for South African Airways.  “Customers on both airlines will enjoy SAA’s renowned South African hospitality and Alaska’s warm and gracious service throughout their journey from two award-winning airlines.”

    Tickets can be purchased by visiting South African Airways’ website at www.flysaa.com, calling SAA Reservations at 1-800-722-9675 or contacting their professional travel advisor.

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 17 consecutive years.

     

    South African Airways Media Contact

    Todd Neuman

    Telephone:  +1 (954) 769-5001

    Email:     toddneuman@flysaa.com

  • JOHANNESBURG. 11 June 2019. South African Airways (SAA) would like to advise its customers and stakeholders that the airline has been served with a notice indicating that two of the recognized employee unions will be marching today to hand over memoranda of demands.  

    SAA received the notification from the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and NUMSA on 4 June 2019 informing the airline that their members will participate in the march during work hours. The march is expected to start at 11h00 and end at 13h00. Employees who will be participating in the march will be expected to return to their workstations soon thereafter.

    SAA’s cabin crew members are represented in SACCA and NUMSA members work at SAA Technical and at the airports in South Africa.

    “Since receipt of the notification from the employee unions, we have taken necessary steps and put contingency measures in place to ensure business continuity. We understand the march will be peaceful and will last for a few hours only. Notwithstanding this, our plans have been reviewed and updated to minimize the possible impact on our operations, if any,” said SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

    SAA will keep customers updated of any further developments. There are no operational disruptions at the moment and all flights are operating as per published schedule.

    Once in receipt of the memoranda, SAA will take all steps necessary to ensure that the matters raised by the employee unions receive attention and are responded to.

    The Board and executive management of SAA met with the labour unions on 7 June 2019 to provide an update on the implementation of the turnaround strategy to stabilise the airline. At that meeting, the Board and executive management gave assurances to the unions that the airline’s strategic implementation was on track.

    The memoranda will be received at SAAT by SAA Interim CFO, Deon Fredericks at approximately 11h45 and another one will be received at Airways Park at approximately 12h30 by the Human Resources General Manager, Ms Vuyi Raseroka.

    “We will provide all possible and necessary assistance to customers who may need such support. Information on the status of our flights will be placed on all official channels of communication, including social media accounts and updated on a continuous basis,” concluded Tlali.

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

     

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • The Board of South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Zuks Ramasia as the Acting Chief Executive Officer for SAA as of Monday, 10 June 2019.

    The Board has commenced a search, domestically and globally, for a permanent CEO with appropriate experience and expertise to stabilise the company and to oversee the implementation of the long-term turnaround strategy.

    As a consequence of the change in leadership, Mr Vuyani Jarana will no longer serve as CEO, but will avail himself to provide transitional support to the Board and Management, when required, for the duration of his notice period.

    Ramasia, who is currently General Manager for Operations, is an experienced executive with extensive aviation background. Ramasia will be supported by experienced executive committee members including Mr Peter Davies, the Chief Restructuring Officer, and Mr Deon Fredericks, the Chief Financial Officer.

    "With the support of the shareholder, the Board and executive management of SAA are fully committed to the turnaround strategy,” said SAA Board Chairman JB Magwaza. “In that regard we are working closely with the shareholder to optimise the aviation assets of the state.”

    The Board is also taking steps to strengthen the executive capacity of the group.

    "We have appointed Adam Voss as the new CEO of South African Airways Technical (SAAT) and we are finalising the appointment of a permanent CEO for Mango. We are close to concluding other senior appointments and will make further announcements in due course," said Magwaza.

    The Board acknowledges the critical financial circumstances confronting the company and is  in ongoing discussions with the Department of Public Enterprises, National Treasury, and financial institutions with respect to  putting in place a financial structure appropriate to supporting the long-term sustainability of the company. The Board and executive management met this morning with the labour unions to provide assurances that the turnaround strategy remains on track and will continue to involve all key stakeholders in rolling out the implementation of the strategy.

    "In conclusion, the Board is committed to transparency and engaging with all stakeholders regarding stabilising SAA and the implementation of the long-term strategy.  We will be providing regular updates on progress." said Magwaza.

    ENDS

  • THAI Smile Airways to become new Connecting Partner

    Seoul, Republic of Korea – June 2nd, 2019 - Star Alliance today announced the plans for THAI Smile Airways to become the next Connecting Partner in its global network.

    The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance, meeting on the sides of the 75th IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul,  approved the application of THAI Smile Airways to become a part the Alliance’s Connecting Partner model.

    The Connecting Partner model was established by Star Alliance in June 2016 to complement its membership model. 
    In contrast to full membership in the Alliance, requiring building of commercial ties with all full members, the more regional Connecting Partner scope calls for commercial relationships with a minimum of three carriers only.

    Customers travelling on an itinerary which includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner will be offered standard Alliance benefits such as passenger and baggage through check-in. In addition, customers who have achieved Star Alliance Gold Status in their frequent flyer programme will enjoy premium customer benefits.

    Once all entry requirements are fulfilled, which is expected by the end of the year, THAI Smile Airways will become the second Connecting Partner, joining Juneyao Airlines that entered in 2017. 

    Connecting Partners allow Star Alliance to close network gaps that may exist of a regional basis. THAI Smile Airways will add 11 new destinations to the Star Alliance network, which already comprises over 1,300 airports in 194 countries. 

    Jeffrey Goh, Star Alliance CEO said: “Three years after the introduction of the new programme, I am pleased to announce that THAI Smile is set to become the next Star Alliance Connecting Partner, which will support us in further strengthening our position as the leading airline alliance network. 

    The partnership with our first Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines, has exceeded our mutual expectations and we look forward to providing our customers with even more choice through the addition of the THAI Smile Airways offer”.

    Charita Leelayudth, Acting CEO, THAI Smile Airways said: “We are delighted that the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board has given the green light for THAI Smile to proceed with our proposal to become a Star Alliance Connecting Partner. This gives us the unique opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the strong Alliance network and at the same time pursue our own business model, providing superior air travel experience for the modern travellers at affordable prices.”  

    The Bangkok based airline has begun to implement the necessary technology and commercial links which will allow THAI Smile to begin serving Star Alliance connecting passengers in 2020. As of then, the airline will be offering the privileges to qualifying Star Alliance Gold Status passengers travelling on connecting itineraries, including Priority Check-in, Thai Smile Lounge Access, and Priority Baggage Delivery.

    -Ends- 

    Images are available via:
    https://we.tl/t-DdqS0a8eaq 
     
    About Star Alliance

    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 19,000 daily flights to over 1,300 airports in 194 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.

    About THAI Smile Airways

    THAI Smile Airways, a subsidiary airline of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), is a regional airline operator for short and medium range flights. The airline operates using “WE” as an airline code and aims to become a favorite airline with the Heart of Thai in Asia. Unlike other carriers, THAI Smile is a ‘Full Service” airline being Regional Wings of Thai Airways. We provide excellence and quality services to meet the needs of short-haul travelers with an affordable price, while ensuring greatest comfort and convenience for a superior travel experience. The airline fleet consists of 20 aircraft in 2016 and operates using narrow-body fleet with operation bases located at Suvarnabhumi International Airport with more than 60 flights per day. And it has delivered overall services more than 16 million passengers from around the world. Products and services of THAI Smile are suitable for passengers travelling short distances. The airline has adjusted several dimension of its strategy to serve travelers with a tagine: Fly Smart, Fly THAI Smile. 
    THAI Smile Airways operates in 10 domestic destinations: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai, Hat-Yai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon thani, Surat thani, Narathiwat and Krabi. THAI Smile also provides cross-region services Chiang Mai and Phuket. For international routes, THAI Smile also operates 17 international flights to Yangon, Siem Reap, Penang, Changsha, Chongqing, Zhengzhou, Kaohsiung, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bangkok- Hong Kong and Phuket- Hong Kong with a plan to further increase the flight frequency of domestic and launch new international routes.

    For more information, please contact: 
    Star Alliance Press Office
    Tel: +49 69 96375 183
    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com
    www.staralliance.com

  • Johannesburg – 2 June 2019 - The Board of South African Airways (SAA) has accepted the resignation of Mr Vuyani Jarana, Group Chief Executive Officer. 

    Since he joined SAA in November 2017, Mr Jarana has spearheaded the implementation of the long-term strategy to return the airline to financial and operational sustainability and position it to deliver effectively on its mandate. 

    “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mr Jarana for his service and commitment to the airline. He contributed to returning confidence and credibility to the airline. We wish him well in his future endeavours,” said Mr JB Magwaza, SAA chairman.

    Mr Magwaza said the airline will continue to implement actions to reduce SAA’s cost structure and make the airline more competitive domestically and globally. 

    “In terms of his contractual obligations, Mr Jarana has committed to remain until the end of August to ensure an orderly transition of his responsibilities, which is a matter that the Board will consider. The Board of SAA will immediately commence the process of searching for a new Group CEO to take the strategy forward,” concluded Mr Magwaza.

    More details on transitional arrangements will be announced soon. 

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson


    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard:
     +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • Johannesburg, 25 May 2019 - South African Airways (SAA), the nation’s flag carrier, is proud to join the millions of South Africans at home and in the diaspora in celebrating 25 years of our democracy. The airline has marked the country’s milestone through its participation in what has become the signature flypast during the inauguration ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa as the 5th President of the Republic of South Africa.

    The flypast was executed in a uniform formation and collaboration with the South African Air Force over the skylines of Loftus Versfeld Stadium today at approximately 12h35.

    “As the airline we take pride in participating in events of this nature in recognition of democracy and social cohesion. This is an opportunity to showcase and register our appreciation to our government and the people of this country, the best way we know how – through flying in spectacular manoeuvres like we did today,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

    SAA operated two of its biggest aircraft in its fleet, the Airbus A340-600. One of the formation crew members is SAA’s Chief Pilot, Captain Vusi Khumalo who himself joined the airline as one of the first four Black African pilots in 1994 when Africans were for the first time allowed to operate as pilots. Other members of the crew were Captain Andre Steenkamp, Captain Mark Dethian, Senior First Officer (SFO) Monde Gxoyiya, Captain Pierre Gouws, SFO Hennie Badenhorst and SFO Julian Whitelaw.

    The crew that operated the flypast are especially trained and accredited to perform manoeuvres of this nature.

    The SAA teams took off from OR Tambo International and through coordination with the South African Air Force, established formation over the skies west of Pretoria en route to the Loftus stadium. The flypast took place at an altitude of 300 feet and aircraft were moving at the speed of approximately 325 km/h ground speed, the lowest speed possible given the size of the commercial aircraft, which were operated.

    “We are indebted to our partners and stakeholders who readily expressed willingness to make this phenomenal air display possible. Sasol, the chemicals and energy company who generously offered us jet fuel powered the aircraft that flew over the skylines of Loftus Versfeld. In addition, our aviation partners, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Air Traffic Navigation Systems (ATNS) also agreed to waive the parking, landing and navigation fees associated with this event,” Tlali explained.

    SAA pilots who operated the flights also donated their time and offered their services as a contribution towards marking this special event.

    The flypast today was reminiscent of that special and historic “Madiba moment” when SAA did a flypast more than two decades ago at the 1995 Rugby World Cup finals.

    “We believe the symbolism of the flypast was as much a sign of pride by the airline and the peoples of South Africa as it was an effort aimed at continuously fostering the spirit of Ubuntu and unity nationwide,” concluded Tlali.
    -ends-  

     


    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • South African Airways launches direct service to Guangzhou, China

    Introduction of Guangzhou, first new route since SAA implements turnaround strategy

     

    JOHANNESBURG.  05 May 2019 - South African Airways (SAA), one of the leading carriers on the African continent, will launch direct flights between Johannesburg and Guangzhou, China, on 18 September 2019, giving customers access to the heart of China’s export led manufacturing industries.

    This is yet another strategy implementation initiative aimed at enhancing SAA’s route network.

    “The decision to launch this direct service between Johannesburg and Guangzhou means we remain on track in executing our strategy to transform SAA into a fit for the future airline that will operate both efficiently and competitively,” said SAA CEO, Vuyani Jarana.  

    The Guangzhou route will cater for a spectrum of travellers between Johannesburg and China including business and corporate travellers and will be of special interest to traders. Cargo operations will complement the viability of this route considering that high value cargo is sourced from Guangzhou.

    SAA will be the only carrier operating a direct service between Johannesburg and Guangzhou, with flight time of approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes, providing the shortest travel time on a nonstop basis between the two points.

    There will be three new flights per week to Guangzhou, in South China, and these will complement SAA’s current operations to Hong Kong. This means, SAA will fly four times a week to Hong Kong.  Airbus A340-300 aircraft will operate both the Guangzhou and Hong Kong routes.

    Guangzhou is the largest city in the Guangdong province in South China and the third largest Chinese city after Beijing and Shanghai. It is an important transportation hub and trading port, located on the Pearl River about 120km Northwest of Hong Kong.

    “Adding a direct service to mainland China, combined with our current popular flights to Hong Kong provides SAA with immense growth opportunities to and from mainland China. It also gives our traders access to the centre of Chinese manufacturing,” said Jarana.

    The province of Guangdong is the centre of China’s export led manufacturing industries and described as “the world’s manufacturing hub”. Formal and informal traders source the majority of goods purchased in Sub-Saharan Africa from the province, due to Africa’s poor manufacturing capacity.

    For more travel options for SAA customers flying to and from Guangzhou, the airline has interline agreements with China Southern Airlines, China Eastern, Air China and Hainan Airlines. To complement this initiative Guangzhou city has an extensive fast train network connecting the hub with important cities in China within 1-3 hours of SAA’s arrival and departure time. The newly opened 45 minutes’ fast train line between Guangzhou and Hong Kong provides alternatives to our customers to use both SAA’s Hong Kong and Guangzhou services.

    SAA is also negotiating a code share agreement with Hong Kong Airlines, anticipated to be in place this financial year, for further travel options for customers travelling beyond Hong Kong. Hong Kong airlines will codeshare on SAA’s Hong Kong-Johannesburg sector and provide feeder traffic from Japan, Korea, Philippines and China.

    The planned schedule, which will be published on Monday, 06 May, aims to offer morning arrivals in Johannesburg, seamless connection with SAA’s regional network with less than three hours lay-over in Johannesburg. The afternoon arrival flight in Guangzhou will connect to more than twenty cities in China and these include SHANGHAI, BEIJING, FUZHOU, XIAMEN, NANNING, KUNMING, HAIKOU, QINGDAO, NANCHANG, WUHAO, and CHENGDU to mention the top ten within one to three hours of arrival time in Guangzhou. The inbound flights from Guangzhou will allow for connections with arriving flights from Japan and Korea that are an important market on days SAA will not be operating from Hong Kong.

    “We are confident that the introduction of this route is based on sound commercial considerations and will not only benefit SAA but South Africa as a whole as China is the largest source market in Asia. It is also South Africa’s largest trading partner in the world,” concluded Jarana.

    Customers based in China may contact SAA at any of the following offices:

    • Guangzhou:     +86-10-65026789

    • Shanghai:         +86-21-6362-1461

    • Beijing:              +86-10-65026789

    • Chengdu:          +86-28-85550998

    These offices cover the most important geographic locations of Southern, Eastern, Northern and Western China.

    Guangzhou Schedule

    SA288 Days 3,5,7 JNB 1925 CAN 1505+1

    SA289 Days 1,4,6 CAN 2215 JNB 0530+1

    Hong Kong Schedule

    SA286 Days 1,2,4,6 JNB 1645 HKG 1240

    SA287 Days 2,3,5,7 HKG 2355 JNB 0705

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 25 April 2019. South African Airways (SAA) is offering customers alternative travel arrangements to Malawi following the closure of the main runway at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, Malawi. 
     
    Earlier this month, the Malawian airport authorities notified SAA that the main runway in Blantyre will be closed from 24 April to 23 July 2019 for maintenance and rehabilitation.  The secondary runway remains operational for the duration of the works and will be used for arrivals and departures of aircraft of appropriate categories/classes. 
     
    SAA operates three weekly services between Johannesburg and Blantyre (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). The aircraft size, which SAA operates to Blantyre, does not fit in the required categories/classes of the secondary runway, which will remain operational.
     
    For the duration of the runway rehabilitation project, SAA will facilitate travel via Lilongwe for onward connection to Blantyre. This is intended to avoid any service disruptions and is part of contingency plans to re-accommodate customers via Lilongwe. 
     
    SAA customers will travel between Johannesburg and Lilongwe on SAA operated aircraft and further to/from Blantyre with Ethiopian Airlines.
     
    “We apologise to our valued customers for any inconvenience caused by these operational changes. We will continue to look for ways to minimise the impact of operational changes to offer more travel convenience for customers,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.
     
    SAA customers travelling to/from Lilongwe on SAA operated aircraft can enjoy business class, subject to availability, as SAA will be operating the A320/A319 on this route, which offers business and economy products. 
     
    Re- accommodation 
     
    Un-ticketed passengers: 
    All passengers that have not been ticketed will be rebooked onto the next available flight.  
     
    A) Ticketed Individual passengers and groups
    Rebooking Conditions Applicable:
    SAA will rebook affected passengers between Johannesburg and Lilongwe;
    SAA has made re-accommodation of reservations onto the closest available flight between Johannesburg and Lilongwe in the same booking class. 
    The booking owner can book ET between LLW and BLZ in the lowest available booking class
    Change fees will be waivered
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 07 May 2019. The booking owner may re-issue the ticket. 
    Tickets to be endorsed “INVOL Re-RRT due BLZ RUNWAY Closure/Date”.
    A full refund of the unused portion/ticket will only be considered once the aforementioned options have been considered. 

    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
    Blantyre | +265 1820 991
     
    South African Airways regrets any inconvenience to our customers as a result of the cancellations.  Please be patient with us whilst we work on getting all our customers to their destinations safely.
     
    ENDS. 
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
     
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 24 April 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that due to the closure of the main runway at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, Malawi from 24 April to 24 July 2019, the airline’s operations have been affected.
     
    The aircraft size, which SAA operates to Blantyre, does not fit in the required categories/classes of the secondary runway, which will remain operational. Accordingly, SAA’s operations to Blantyre have been cancelled, for Wednesday, 24 April 2019 and Saturday, 27 April 2019.
     
    However, contingency plans have been put in place for smaller aircraft, operated by SA Express to operate this route, with the exception of the Wednesday and Saturday flights. 
     
    “We have implemented contingency plans by using the SA Express’ Q400 turbo prop aircraft to continue with SAA’s schedule operations with the exception of the 24th and 27th April 2019, whereon no scheduled operation will be available to/from Blantyre.
     
    “We apologise to our valued passengers and customers for the inconvenience caused by these cancellations,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.
     
    SAA operates a three weekly service between Johannesburg and Blantyre (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). 
     
    The airport authorities notified SAA that the main runway will be closed from 24 April to 23 July 2019 for maintenance and rehabilitation. However, the secondary runway will remain operational for the duration of the works and will be used for arrivals and departures of aircraft of appropriate categories/classes.
     
    “The type of aircraft deployed during the rehabilitation of the runway will be a single cabin aircraft. In the light of this change, SAA has decided to compensate all passengers who had purchased tickets to travel in the premium cabin. The decision was based on the nature of the offering in the single cabin aircraft and in accordance with our compensation policy,” says Tlali.
     
    Other customers will be re-accommodated to Lilongwe, as these operations are unaffected. These passengers will have an option of reconnecting from Lilongwe for onward travel by air or ground transport. 
     
    Un-ticketed passengers: 
    All passengers that have not been ticketed will be rebooked onto the next available flight.  
     
    Ticketed Individual passengers and groups
    Rebooking Conditions Applicable:
    SAA will rebook affected passengers onto the operation between Johannesburg and Blantyre, where applicable;
    Re-accommodation of reservations has been made by South African Airways onto the closest available flight between Johannesburg and Blantyre in the same booking class. 
    Change fees will be waivered
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 07 May 2019. The booking owner may re-issue the ticket. 
    Tickets to be endorsed “INVOL Re-RRT due BLZ RUNWAY Closure/Date”.
    A full refund of the unused portion/ticket will only be considered once the aforementioned options have been considered. 
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
    Blantyre | +265 1820 991
     
    South African Airways regrets any inconvenience to our customers as a result of the cancellations.  Please be patient with us whilst we work on getting all our customers to their destinations safely.
     
    ENDS. 
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 5 April 2019.  As of this week, South African Airways (SAA) has increased its frequencies on nonstop flights between Washington, D.C.-Dulles International Airport and Accra’s Kotoka International Airport to five days weekly. SAA offers the only nonstop flight between Washington D.C. and Ghana and offers travellers convenient connections to and from over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada through its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines via Washington, D.C.-Dulles.
     
    “SAA is delighted to add an additional flight between Washington Dulles and Accra as we continue to see increased demand for our nonstop service between the U.S. and Ghana,” said Todd Neuman, SAA’s executive vice president for North America. “Since 2015, SAA has exclusively offered nonstop flights between the two capital cities and provided customers with our award winning African hospitality. This fifth weekly flight offers an additional opportunity for North American travellers to experience the many wonders of Ghana including its vibrant cities, and its rich culture.”
     
    South African Airways’ flights to Accra now operate five days a week with continuing service to Johannesburg, South Africa, operating on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  SAA’s increase of flights on the route will also serve to support the partnership with Africa World Airlines by offering seamless connections between Accra and additional destinations in West Africa including; Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria; Monrovia, Liberia and Freetown, Sierra Leone.  In addition, SAA will continue to operate flights between Washington D.C. and Dakar, Senegal and onwards to Johannesburg, two days per week. 
    SAA’s flights between Washington DC and Accra will be operated with both the Airbus A330-300 and the Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The A330-300 features 46 full-flat 180° beds with direct aisle access at every seat in Premium Business Class and 203 seats in Economy Class in a spacious and comfortable cabin. The A330-200 offers 36 full-flat beds in Premium Business Class and 186 seats in Economy Class.  Customers travelling in both Premium Business Class and Economy Class will enjoy an extensive menu of on-demand audio and visual entertainment options, in-seat power ports, freshly prepared meals and complimentary bar service featuring award-winning South African wines. 
    The new flight schedule is as follows (all times are local):
     

    Johannesburg Accra – Washington D.C.

    SA #209

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

    SA #210

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

    • Depart Johannesburg, South Africa: 6.30PM

    Depart Washington D.C – IAD: 5.40PM

    Arrive Accra, Ghana: 10:35PM

    Arrive Accra, Ghana: 8:10AM +1

    Depart Accra, Ghana: 11:35PM

    Depart Accra, Ghana: 9:10AM +1

    Arrive Washington D.C – IAD: 6.25AM +1

    Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa: 4:55PM +1


    All times local
     
    For reservations and information, customers should visit www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways’ Reservations at +27 (0) 11 978 1111 (South Africa) or 1-(800) 722-9675 in the US or their professional travel consultant. 
     
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 3 April 2019. South African Airways (SAA) has launched additional 24 non-stop charter flights to the Maldives from April until October 2019. This decision forms part of the airline’s turnaround strategy – a pillar of which is to increase the utilisation of its aircraft. 

    SAA was the first long haul international carrier to fly to Gan International Airport, situated at the southern tip of the Maldives 0.65 degrees south of the Equator in November last year during the holiday season. 

    South African and international holidaymakers can make use of the special chartered flights following the conclusion of an exclusive charter agreement between SAA and Air Tour Operators (ATO) and the Ministry of Tourism in the Maldives, for non-stop flights between South Africa and the Maldives islands. ATO and SAA have combined to offer amazing value-for-money holidays to a pristine part of the world that has previously been extremely inaccessible.  The flights make use of Airbus wide-body comfort where SAA offers its customary Business and Economy class service.

    “As part of implementation of our turnaround plans, we are constantly seeking new and smart ways to manage costs, improve our revenues and bring more value to our customers. Internationally, SAA is a strong and preferred brand, which is renowned for quality service and reliability standards.  These charters provide an ideal opportunity for us to optimise on aircraft utilisation.

    “Holiday-makers can look forward to unrivalled luxury, pristine white sand beaches, and an amazing underwater world. The Maldives is undoubtedly, the obvious choice for a memorable holiday, especially over the cold South African winter,” says Tlali Tlali, Spokesperson for SAA. 
    Numerous stunning island resorts feature within a 10 to 15-minute boat transfer from the airport. By flying direct to the southern part of the Maldives, SAA can reduce the flying time from 16 hours (via the Middle East), to only seven (7) hours. 

    The Maldives flights follow on a number of other charters SAA successfully operated this year and charter operations increased dramatically over the past couple of months.
    In May last year, SAA operated six charter flights carrying over 700 Liverpool football fans, return, to the UEFA Champions League final in Kiev, using three wide-bodied aircraft. These flights used aircraft that would typically have been stationed on the ground in Europe. Charters to Havana, Cuba, followed with several more to come this year. In addition, the airline has been trusted with sporting, corporate and VVIP government delegations to destinations across Africa, Dubai, Saudi Arabia the Indian subcontinent and China. 

    It is important to note that given the high peak travel anticipated during the holiday season, these flights are expected to fill up fast. Bookings are already open.  

    SAA will be selling the packages through the three SAA City Ticketing Offices (CTO) in Illovo (Johannesburg), Durban and Cape Town.

    Cape Town
    Tel: 021 418 1555
    Team Leader: Janine Erfort

    Durban
    Tel:  031 250 1042
    Team Leader: Leesh Lobo

    Johannesburg
    Tel: 011 537 2001
    Team Leader: Ricardo Ahkee, or email us FaithSikakane@flysaa.com

    Rates and details are also available on the ATO website. www.atotours.co.za 
    For bookings, contact ATO +27 011 568 5162, or info@atotours.co.za 
    -end- 

    Maldives schedule effective 21 April 2019:

    SA2950 departs at 23h50 on Sundays (21 April, 19 May, 16 June, 23 June, 30 June, 21 July, 11 August, 18 August, 25 August, 1 September, 22 September, and 13 October), to arrive at 09:50 the following morning in the Maldives local time. 

    SA2951 departs at 13:00 on Saturdays (27 April, 22 June, 29 June, 06 July, 27 July, 17 August, 24 August, 31 August, 07 September, 28 September and 19 October) to arrive at 17h00 in Johannesburg. 

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:


    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali 
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Mr Themba Khumalo
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353
    Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Johannesburg, 20 March 2019 - South African Airways would like to advise its customers of the additional restrictions for passengers transiting on the way to the United States of America. The restrictions relate to carriage of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGS) purchased in duty-free areas of the airports by passengers in transit on flights originating from Johannesburg, Accra and Dakar.

    “In terms of the United States’ Transportation Security Administration (TSA), there will be additional security requirements for flights to the United States of America (USA) and these will be in the form of restrictions to carry certain specified items in the cabin under specified circumstances. These restrictions are imposed on all passengers in transit/transfer to the USA and will apply to both SAA flights to the United States,” said SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.   

    SAA has two flights daily to Washington D.C and to New York. The flight to New York is a non-stop operation, whilst the flight to Washington D.C goes via Accra and Dakar (four and three times a week respectively).  

    LAGS may not be transported in cabin baggage (accessible property) of any passengers connecting to the USA from Johannesburg, Accra, and Dakar. This requirement does however not affect duty-free purchased at the last point of departure (Johannesburg, Accra, and Dakar).

    For SAA to comply with this restriction, SAA’s Security Gate Search Teams conducting current gate passenger screening will verify any duty-free items purchased at upstream airports and will deny the carriage of such items on the flight, regardless of whether such items are packed in security tamper evidence bags (STEB’s) or not.

    Passengers are advised to factor this in when planning to transit/transfer through Johannesburg, Accra, and Dakar to avoid unnecessary discomfort and/or possible loss of their items. 

    “SAA apologises for any inconvenience that could result from the restrictions imposed. We trust that our discerning passengers will appreciate that from time to time there will be changes introduced in the industry by the regulators or by agencies of jurisdictions to which SAA operates. These measures are aimed at improving security and safety of all across the value chain,” explained Tlali.

    “The restrictions will apply to all flights to the United States only, with effect from 25 March 2019,” concluded Tlali. 

    -ends-

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands – March 7th, 2019 – Star Alliance customers travelling from the Dutch capital can look forward to a new premium lounge experience at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The new Star Alliance Lounge will welcome eligible First and Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold Card holders as well as eligible paid lounge members of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Worldwide Club and United Club programmes as of March 8th onwards.

    The lounge is located airside in the Departures 2, Schengen Area on the Panorama terrace level. Easy access is provided to the departure gates for Alliance member carrier flights to European destinations in the Schengen Zone*.

    All Star Alliance branded lounges are designed to provide a unique local experience. Working with D-Dock, an Amsterdam-based architectural design firm, has allowed Star Alliance to infuse the local essence of Amsterdam into the new lounge. The elegant and contemporary design is inspired by the ever-changing Dutch skies and landscapes and features furniture creations and decoration pieces of original Dutch design.

    Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge, and a mix of standard and USB power outlets ensure that customers can recharge their electronic devices.

    Facilities include a luggage storage area, individual work booths, communal work table, dining area, bar area, relaxation area and a wine bar. Amenities feature a serviced bar during afternoon hours, beer on tap, a complimentary buffet with hot and cold meal options, flight information, business services such as printing and scanning, complimentary reading material and personal care amenities upon request.

    The lounge can accommodate up to 150 guests and will open daily from 5.30am to 9.30pm, depending on the Star Alliance (Schengen) flight schedule.

    “Star Alliance has set itself the overall goal of improving the customer’s travel experience. Offering a premium lounge product is an integral part of this strategy. Our new Amsterdam Lounge expands the network of Star Alliance branded lounges to eight and offers our customers flying from ‘De Dam’ a state-of-the-art lounge experience”, said Christian Draeger, Vice President Customer Experience, Star Alliance.

    At Schiphol, Star Alliance has partnered with Aspire Netherlands (A Swissport company) who also developed and operates the adjacent common use Aspire Lounge, and Royal Schiphol Group, in creating the first dedicated alliance lounge at the airport.

    “We are delighted to partner with Star Alliance in bringing its latest addition of Star Alliance branded lounges to the Dutch capital, where customers will be able to enjoy ASPIRE’s proclaimed hospitality and services. We believe that the combination of its intelligent design, comprehensive offering and local feel, the new Star Alliance Lounge will elevate customer experience to a whole new level.”  said Menno Biersma, CEO of Swissport.

    Andre van den Berg, Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Schiphol Group, adds: “We are committed to providing our passengers with a carefree and enjoyable travel experience. The Star Alliance Lounge is an attractive addition to the offering at Schiphol airport, which contributes positively to our customer proposition and allows passengers to take joy in their journey already before they board their flight.”

    The lounge primarily serves eligible customers departing on flights operated by Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss, and TAP Air Portugal. Customers departing on other Star Alliance member carrier flights are also welcome but must take note that the lounge is located in the Schengen departures area before passport control. In total, 16 Star Alliance member carriers serve Amsterdam, providing non-stop service to 23 destinations in 18 countries.

    Star Alliance offers passengers travelling in First or Business Class on any of its 28 member carriers or those holding Star Alliance Gold status or Paid Lounge Membership from Air Canada Maple Leafe Worldwide or United Club access to more than 1.000 lounges across the entire global network. In addition to member airlines’ own lounges and those operated by third parties, Star Alliance now offers eight Star Alliance branded lounges around the world located at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), Los Angeles (LAX), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Nagoya (NGO), Rio de Janeiro Galeao (GIG), Rome Fiumicino (FCO), and Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU).

    Star Alliance lounges give guests a uniquely local airport experience with personalised attention. The Star Alliance Lounge LAX has been awarded by Skytrax as world’s best alliance lounge every year since 2015. Star Alliance was the first alliance to offer alliance lounges to better satisfy customer needs, primarily in major non-hub locations where it is adequate for member carriers to concentrate their lounge offering in order to offer a highly competitive product.

    Moreover, the existing Star Alliance branded lounge in Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport will be refurbished in the coming months. The renovation will deliver a fresh and relaxing atmosphere and further enhance the travel experience of customers travelling from the French capital.

    Photos of the Star Alliance Lounge Amsterdam can be downloaded from the following link:

    http://xturnover.dk/staralliance/Star_Alliance_Lounge_AMS/public/


    About Star Alliance:

    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,800 daily flights to 1,317 airports in 193 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.

     

    Further information can be obtained via:

    Star Alliance Press Office
    Tel: +49 69 96375 183
    Fax: +49 69 96375 683
    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com
    www.staralliance.com
    Twitter @staralliance https://twitter.com/staralliance
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/staralliance
    LinkedIn:        https://www.linkedin.com/company/star-alliance
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staralliancenetwork
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/staralliance/

     

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL (March 6, 2019) – South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®), the leisure division of South African Airways, offering air-inclusive packages throughout Africa, is announcing the launch of their new website www.flysaavacations.com . The completely redesigned website features improved functionality, simplified designs and enriched content to help our travel partners and clients to choose or customize their ideal African vacation.

     

    Created with the user’s experience in mind, the easy to navigate website includes many new or improved features, with enriched detailed content and photos on hotels, safari lodges, tours and attractions throughout Africa.  An additional feature includes the live chat options which lets clients chat with a team of Africa Specialists at their convenience. 

     

    “The new SAA Vacations® website has been completely redesigned with customer insights in mind for ease of researching and customizing their perfect itinerary. The new site combines core functionality that veteran users have previously used, but with enhanced features for ease of designing that perfect vacation,” says Terry von Guilleaume, president of SAA Vacations®.

     

    Visitors are encouraged to explore the new website and sign up for the South African Airways Vacations® newsletter so they will receive emails with travel content, special offers and destination highlights.

     

    South African Airways Vacations® offers vacation options for all budgets to destinations throughout Africa, with experienced African Specialists available to assist with vacation consultation and planning.  Specialty-themed programs are on offer and provide unique experiences, whether clients are interested in safaris, culture, wine & culinary, romance, adventure and family multi-generational travel.  With departures available 365 days a year, travelers are afforded the flexibility to travel when they wish. For a complete overview of air-inclusive vacation packages to Africa, visit www.flysaavacations.com or contact South African Airways Vacations® at 1-(855) 359-7228.

     

     

    About South African Airways Vacations®

    A division of South African Airways (SAA), South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®) is highly regarded for its wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa and uses SAA’s extensive route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana and the Indian Ocean Islands. Offering more than 50 air-inclusive packages, which range from value to superb luxury. Our specialty-themed programs offer unique experiences, whether you are interested in safaris, culture, cuisine, romance and adventure. The program is managed and fulfilled by DSA Vacations, founded in 2001, and offers an extensive portfolio of tour programs with a variety of hotels, game lodges, and safari companies throughout Southern Africa.

     

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-star rating for 16 consecutive years.

     

    Like South African Airways Vacations on Facebook here               Follow South African Airways Vacations on Twitter here.

    Like South African Airways on Facebook here.                                    Follow South African Airways on Twitter here.

  • JOHANNESBURG. 5 March 2019 – SAA Voyager has partnered with Uber to introduce a new payment option for Voyager members who now have the option to use their SAA Voyager Miles to pay for their Uber rides in South Africa with just a few taps. 
     
    This partnership allows both companies jointly to provide better value to their list of clients who use the Uber App for their business or leisure travel needs.  
     
    “Uber and SAA both serve millions of customers in a variety of cities around the world, which makes this partnership a perfect fit. Our riders understand the need for safe, reliable, and affordable travel; and through this partnership, we can create a seamless experience for our travellers,” says Shavaye Govender, Strategic Partnerships for Uber Sub Saharan Africa. 
     
    “SAA Voyager prides itself in providing our customers with a differentiated reward catalogue exchange for brand loyalty.  Partnering with a progressive brand like Uber means that our customers get to enjoy travel across two mediums namely, air and road,” says Suretha Cruse, SAA Executive for Customer Loyalty. 
     
    The offer is available to all SAA Voyager members for their Uber rides and Uber Eats in South Africa. SAA Voyager members will be required to sign into their Voyager account via www.flysaa.com to convert their miles into an Uber voucher. The Uber vouchers are valid for three years from the date of issue, and are available in the following denominations:
    3 000 Voyager Miles = R120.00 Uber Voucher  
    5 000 Voyager Miles = R200.00 Uber Voucher 
    12 500 Voyager Miles = R500.00 Uber Voucher 
     
    -ENDS-
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
     
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    About SAA Voyager
    South African Airways (SAA) Voyager is a loyalty programme owned by SAA (SOC) Limited and serves as the frequent flyer programmes for: SAA, SA Express (SOC) Limited, and Airlink Proprietary Limited. Mango (SOC) Limited, SAA’s wholly owned low cost carrier, is a high customer value ranked redemption partner of the programme.
     
    Launched in 1994, the programme offers its more than one million members the opportunity to earn and spend miles (the programme’s reward currency) from 67 programme partners. The programme boasts more than 35 airline partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network, which gives members access to more than 1 300 destinations in 190 countries.
     
    SAA Voyager is the first revenue-based frequent flyer programme on the African continent. All SAA Voyager members worldwide earn Voyager Miles for travel on flights operated by SAA, now based on the ticket price (base fare and carrier-imposed fees) rather than the distance travelled. Under the SAA exclusive earning structure, all members receive one (1) SAA Voyager Mile per ZAR1.60 spent and the accumulation of miles under this earning structure, counts towards tier status. SAA Voyager furthermore offers a dual approach for flight redemptions: revenue-based (Dynamic Awards), as well as the classical flat-rate mileage (Star Alliance, FFP Alliance Airlines, Upgrade, and JourneyBlitz) Awards.
     
    For media information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
     
    FAQS
    What does this partnership offer? 
    SAA and Uber have partnered to provide Voyager members another reward option, by allowing them to convert Voyager Miles into Uber Vouchers to create seamless travel between air and road.
     
    Can I convert my Voyager Miles into an Uber Eats Voucher? 
    Voyager Miles may be converted into an Uber Eats Voucher, to the same value as that of a Rides voucher.
     
    How long are the vouchers available for? 
    Vouchers will only be active for three (3) years, thereafter they will expire. 
     
    How can I convert my miles?
    SAA Voyager members will have to sign into their registered Voyager account. Members must select Uber/ Uber Eats from the available rewards options. Once enough miles are earned, members are able to convert this through their Voyager account. An Uber Rides / Uber Eats Voucher code will be sent to the member’s registered email address. The voucher code will be valid for three (3) years, and can then be used by the stipulated party. 
  • JOHANNESBURG. 4 March 2019. South African Airways (SAA) Voyager has launched its own SAA Voyager Mobile Application.  This means that the transactional experience for Voyager members is now in the palm of members’ hand with easy navigation whilst on the go.  

    The current SAA Mobile App only displays a customer’s status and balance of miles, whereas the first release of the SAA Voyager App includes additional transactional functions beneficial to the customers namely; update of personal details, PIN reset, award requests, claiming of missing miles, converting miles and, being able to donate miles.  

    The SAA Voyager App is an intervention aimed at enhancing Voyager members’ transactional experience with Voyager in the short term.  It is envisaged that once SAA relaunches its Mobile App in the latter part of this year, there will be integration between the SAA and SAA Voyager Mobile Apps, whereby customers will be able to transact seamlessly with SAA, be it for check-in, printing of boarding passes, making and/or changing reservations or transacting on their Voyager accounts. 

    SAA Executive for Customer Loyalty, Suretha Cruse explains that one of SAA’s key strategies is to enhance the customer experience.  “Customer insights were a key driver in the design and development of the SAA Voyager App with our Africa-based members in mind, where 80% access the internet via their mobile phones,” she says.  

    SAA Voyager was Africa’s first value-based airline loyalty programme, offering members miles based on the ticket price purchased, rather than the distance travelled.  The earning velocity of miles in the SAA Voyager programme remains the best in class on the African continent whereby members receive one SAA Voyager Mile per ZAR 1.60 spent, which counts towards the status of members. The programme also allows members to spend miles on any available ticket price for flights operated by SAA. With more than 67 partnerships globally, including the Star Alliance global network, the programme gives members access to more than 1 300 destinations in 190 countries. 

    Not a SAA Voyager member yet, but want to register? Simply download the SAA Voyager mobile app onto your phone from the Apple App store or Google Play store, alternatively, contact the SAA Voyager Call Centre on 011 978 1234.  You can also send an e-mail to voyager@flysaa.com. 

    Programme specific terms and conditions can be found on www.flysaa.com. 
    SAA Voyager - Forever part of your journey. 

    -Ends-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    About SAA Voyager
    South African Airways (SAA) Voyager is a loyalty programme owned by SAA (SOC) Limited and serves as the frequent flyer programmes for: SAA, SA Express (SOC) Limited, and Airlink Proprietary Limited. Mango (SOC) Limited, SAA’s wholly owned low cost carrier, is a high customer value ranked redemption partner of the programme.

    Launched during 1994, the programme offers its more than 1 million members the opportunity to earn and spend Miles (the programme’s reward currency) from 67 programme partners. The programme boasts more than 35 airline partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network which gives members access to more than 1 300 destinations in 190 countries.
    SAA Voyager is the first revenue-based Frequent Flyer Programme on the African continent. All SAA Voyager members worldwide earn Miles for travel on flights operated by SAA, now based on the ticket price (base fare and carrier-imposed fees) rather than the distance travelled. Under the SAA exclusive earning structure, all members receive one (1) SAA Voyager Mile per ZAR 1.60 spent and the accumulation of Miles under this earning structure, counts towards Tier status. SAA Voyager furthermore offers a dual approach for flight redemptions: revenue-based (Dynamic Awards) as well as the classical flat-rate mileage (Star Alliance, FFP Alliance Airlines, Upgrade and JourneyBlitz) Awards.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG, 01 March 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) has uncovered discrepancies relating to the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) of one of its former pilots following an investigation into an incident involving one flight to Germany late last year. The pilot has since resigned and the airline has laid criminal charges against him and will seek to recover millions of Rand unduly expended and offered as reward to him on the strength of representations he made to the airline. 
         
    On 6 November 2018, en route to Frankfurt, Germany, flight SA260, which operated on an Airbus A340-600 aircraft, encountered an atmospheric disturbance at high altitude over the Swiss Alps.  The disturbance put the aircraft into an over-speed condition. A recovery manoeuvre was performed to regain stable flying conditions. The aircraft landed safely in Frankfurt without injury or damage and was escorted to its parking bay by the emergency services.

    The aircraft was found to be airworthy, loaded within weight and balance limits and all maintenance checks were up-to-date. 

    SAA’s robust safety procedures dictate that the crew involved in a reportable incident of this nature be grounded and be subjected to a thorough and comprehensive assessment and re-evaluation. There are three concurrent investigations into the circumstances of the SA260 incident by SAA, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the German authorities. To this effect, SAA is cooperating with the relevant independent authorities in this investigation. SAA will consider releasing details once the investigations have been concluded. 
     
    During the course of its investigation into the incident, SAA uncovered that one of the pilots, a Senior First Officer (SFO) who had operated that flight, had made false representations to the airline and claimed that he was qualified and had an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). He only had a Commercial Pilot License.  
     
    It is an SAA requirement that all pilots obtain an ATPL license within five years of their employment as pilots at SAA. This is linked to Senior First Officer status and forms part of their conditions of employment as regulated in the SAA Pilots Regulating Agreement. Any pilot failing to obtain this license, will have their employment terminated with the airline. 

    “We take note that at no point did the alleged fraudulent license present any safety risk to SAA's operation as the pilot in question was in possession of a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and was the monitoring pilot and not the commander of the aircraft. The pilot had successfully completed all required safety training. However, we find it disconcerting that misrepresentations were made about the type of license that the pilot claimed to possess,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali. 
     
    The Commercial Pilot Licence allows pilots to operate a Commercial Airliner and the SFO concerned had successfully completed all the SAA training required of him throughout his time at SAA.  
     
    He was promoted and remunerated at a higher scale on the basis of his misrepresentation that he was in possession of an ATPL. 

    “SAA has suffered actual financial prejudice and has opened a criminal case of fraud against that pilot. Necessary steps will be taken to recover the money unduly paid to him. These include salary, overtime and allowances,” commented Tlali. 

    The ATPL process is administered by the SACAA as the examining authority. The current practice is that a pilot who has passed the ATPL examinations would bring the certificate to SAA for processing. We have now changed the procedure such that SAA will obtain results and certificates from the examining authority and in the case of ATPL the SACAA. 

    “We have submitted all SAA pilots’ licensing files to the SACAA for verification and audit. On the basis of a sample that has been selected for audit, the SACAA has indicated that the verification process is progressing well and no irregularities were identified to date,” concluded Tlali. 

    -ends-
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • ACCRA, GHANA - 25 February 2019 - South African Airways (SAA) has enhanced connectivity for its customers travelling to, from and beyond the West Africa region following the successful completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Africa World Airlines (AWA), the airline’s Ghanaian partners.

    The CEOs of SAA and AWA, Mr Vuyani Jarana and Mr John Quan, respectively, today officially signed the MOU at the Ghana Ministry of Aviation in Accra, Ghana.
    Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda, the Ghana Minister of Aviation, officiated at the event.

    The MOU allows the two airlines to enhance their relationship through synergies that include code sharing, franchising and any other related projects.

    “As part of our turnaround strategy, we are constantly looking at ways of improving our customers’ travel experiences. This agreement gives our customers seamless connections from Johannesburg into more destinations in Ghana and other West African destinations.

    “The agreement augments SAA’s popular and successful Ghana operations and offers customers a host of additional travel options in Ghana as well as further afield in the African West Coast region.

    “As the leading carrier on the continent, our aim is to improve air travel connections on the continent through partnerships and this agreement with AWA goes a long way towards improving intra-African travel,” says Vuyani Jarana, SAA CEO.

    “This agreement with South African Airways will help consolidate Africa World Airlines’ position as one of the leading airlines in West Africa. We are excited by the potential that this African partnership can deliver, and are confident that it will be a win-win relationship for both sides,” says John Quan, AWA CEO.

    SAA and Africa World Airlines formed a relationship in 2015, which resulted in the commencement of the Accra to Washington Dulles flights.  SAA operates daily flights between Johannesburg and Accra, with four of the flights continuing onwards to Washington; and the other three flights continue onwards to Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

    SAA’s relationship with AWA has since grown from the original commercial co-operation into the new interline commercial agreement, which became possible when SAA finalised technology integration with AWA in November. The interline agreement allows the acceptance of each other’s customers and access to each other’s network.

    SAA customers will fly from Accra on SAA operated flights and then connect to further destinations on flights operated by AWA.

    Over the coming months the interline agreement will evolve into a code share agreement.

    SAA customers will then travel on one ticket from Johannesburg to Accra, or from Washington to Accra, and onwards to a number of destinations such as Kumasi in central Ghana, Tamale in the north, and Takoradi in the west. SAA customers will also be able to connect from Accra to Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria, Freetown in Sierra Leone, and Monrovia in Liberia.

    In turn, customers of Africa World Airlines travelling from Ghana, Lagos, Abuja, Freetown, and Monrovia, are able to travel on one ticket from any AWA point of origin and connect onto SAA international flights to either Washington D.C. or Johannesburg, or further on the SAA network.

    With effect from April SAA increases the frequency from Accra to Washington to five flights per week. SAA offers the only nonstop flight between Ghana and Washington D.C. and convenient connections to / from over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada through its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines via Washington, D.C.-Dulles.

    -ENDS-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    About Africa World Airlines:
    Africa World Airlines (AWA) is a Ghanaian airline based in Accra. AWA started operations in 2012 and now operates a fleet of 8 all-jet aircraft across 8 destinations throughout Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with services to Cote D’Ivoire planned to commence in April 2019. AWA is the only IATA member airline registered in Ghana, and maintains IOSA certification, the global gold standard for aviation safety.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298    AWA Media Enquiries
    Mr Richard Kyereh
    Head: Commercial
    Email: richard.kyereh@flyafricaworld.com
    Mobile: +233 (0) 243 681-135
    Office: +233 (0) 302 764-288


    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Johannesburg, 13 February 2019 – South African Airways (SAA) Voyager and Nedbank today launched a first in the world - a cheque card which guarantees users to earn air miles per transactional swipe. The SAA Voyager Cheque Card launch which took place at SA Technical premises was co-hosted by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAA Vuyani Jarana and CEO of Nedbank, Mike Brown. According to both, the card represents a significant shift in the way in which air miles are earned. Traditionally, airline reward programmes have always offered co-branded credit cards to customers to allow them to earn air miles based on their credit spend. 
     
    The new SAA Voyager Cheque Card offers existing holders of SAA Voyager Credit Cards the opportunity to increase the miles they earn and the benefits thereof without the need to increase their credit spend or acquire additional credit cards.
     
    Even if you are not a frequent traveller, the fastest way to earn miles is by using any of SAA Voyager’s Credit or Cheque Cards from Nedbank.  “We have tailored this unique offering as part of our efforts to diversify platforms through our customers are able to earn miles with ease and as frequently,” said SAA CEO Vuyani Jarana.  “Also, while most of our programme members prefer using their miles for flights, Voyager Miles can be exchanged for a wide variety of travel rewards, including stays at selected accommodation partners, car hire, exotic cruises, duty-free shopping, online gifting, and even health spa experiences,” he said.
     
    The programme over the past 12 months, has seen 12 000 miles accrued and 9 000 miles redeemed every minute, validating the trading magnitude of the Voyager programme.  Apart from the exclusive Customer Value Proposition (CVPs) for the credit and cheque card holders, cardholders benefit from the reward-gain and upfront value benefits of 68 travel and retail partners of the Voyager programme. 
     
    Speaking at the event, Nedbank CEO, Mike Brown, pointed out that the launch of the SAA Voyager Cheque Card, and the accompanying announcement of enhanced benefits offered by SAA Voyager Credit Cards, ushers in the exciting next chapter in the highly strategic and successful partnership between Nedbank and the SAA Voyager programme that goes back almost 13 years to the establishment of the first SAA Voyager Credit Card in 2006.
     
    He cited the steady growth in uptake and usage of SAA Voyager Credit Cards as evidence of the immense success of this partnership. Since the launch of the programme in 2006, more than 90 000 South Africans have acquired one of the SAA Voyager Credit Cards available through Nedbank and to date, these cards have been used to pay for almost 80 million national and international transactions worth nearly R90 billion of qualifying spend.  SAA CEO, Vuyani Jarana, in his address at the event added that since the inception of the partnership, 13 billion Miles were accrued by the SAA Voyager co-branded credit card and 255 thousand Continental and Inter-Continental Companion tickets were earned, an exclusive and highly-valued offering for this customer segment. 
     
    “The strong relationship between Nedbank and SAA Voyager has helped to realise the lifestyle and travel dreams of South Africans for over a decade, thanks to the highly popular SAA Voyager Gold and Premium Credit Cards,” Brown explained.  The arrival of the new SAA Voyager Cheque Card, a world first is set to extend the significant benefits of the Voyager programme to many more South Africans from all walks of life,” he said.
     
    According to Brown, the SAA Voyager Cheque Card represents Nedbank’s and SAA’s response to growing consumer demand for a transactional card that allows them to earn SAA Voyager Miles without the requirement to qualify for credit.
     
    “While the SAA Voyager Credit Card has been widely embraced as an appealing and easy way to quickly accumulate SAA Voyager Miles, we recognised the importance of broadening access to this lifestyle enhancing opportunity. The new SAA Voyager Cheque Card will afford more people access to the globally recognised SAA Voyager frequent flyer programme, and the many benefits and rewards it offers.”
     
    In addition to further enhancing the appeal and value of the SAA Voyager cards offering, the partners used the event to announce a number of exciting enhancements to the already compelling SAA Voyager Credit Card offering. These include:
    The opportunity for SAA Voyager Premium credit cardholders to earn an additional 15 000 bonus miles per calendar year by spending R300 000 or more; 
    An additional Global Companion Ticket for SAA Voyager Premium Credit Cardholders when meeting required spend thresholds;
    20% discount on superior travel top-up insurance for SAA flights;
    Always-on SAA flight discounts of up to 13%; and
    Special promotional flight discounts for cardholders, of up to 40% on SAA-operated flights.
     
    Another exciting announcement made at the launch was that Nedbank and SAA Voyager has partnered with respected South African lifestyle bloggers, GoPhari and How Far From Home.  They are the chosen travel blogging ambassadors for the SAA Voyager credit and cheque cards who will be embarking on a trip around South Africa, Africa and the world, and blogging about their experiences.  The bloggers will be showcasing the many benefits the cards offer including paying for transport and accommodation costs and buying everyday items – all of which will also earn them valuable Voyager miles along the way. 
    Brown emphasised that the creation of the SAA Voyager Cheque Card is another example of the value that can be unlocked for consumers through innovative partnerships. “Our shared customers have been enjoying the vast benefits and travel opportunities provided by the SAA Voyager credit cards for the past 13 years.  It is a milestone in travel to form part of this initiative,” he said. 
    Apply for an SAA Voyager Cheque Card at Nedbank.co.za/saacheque or visit Nedbank.co.za/saa to apply for your SAA Voyager Credit Card. Alternatively, visit any Nedbank branch or go to flysaa.com.
    -Ends-
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
     
    About SAA Voyager
    Belonging to the extensive SAA Voyager partner network means that it is possible for the customer to earn and redeem Voyager Miles for flights to almost any destination on the planet. SAA Voyager miles can be earned or redeemed on SAA, SA Express, Mango, and Airlink flights as well as 27 Star Alliance partner airlines and eight non-Star Alliance partners.  SAA Voyager members are also able to use their miles to upgrade their flights on SAA and Star Alliance partner airlines or redeem their miles for in-flight purchases from FlySAA Duty Free.
     
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    SAA General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
     
  • A romantic trip to Africa makes for the perfect gift for your Valentine sweetheart


    Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 1, 2019) – February is the month to express our love, so South African Airways (SAA), a Skytrax 4-Star airline, announces a sweetheart of a deal with new low fares starting from $799* roundtrip to South Africa just in time for Valentine’s Day. Low fares are offered from Washington,DC-Dulles International Airport and New York-JFK International Airport to Johannesburg, South Africa starting from $799* roundtrip (restrictions apply) and to Cape Town, South Africa from $855* roundtrip (restrictions apply). Travel on these sale fares is applicable this spring between April 1 - May 31, 2019 (Blackout dates April 16-April 30, 2019). Great low fares are also available to Dakar, Senegal and Accra,Ghana. Tickets must be purchased by February 15, 2019.

    “A holiday in South Africa makes for a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift for that special loved one and these great low fares will allow travelers to fall in love with our beautiful country,” said Todd Neuman,SAA’s executive vice president, North America. “From the enchanting Cape Winelands, to a luxurious safari, or the breathtaking vistas that dot the country, South Africa is the perfect spot for you and your special Valentine. This is an opportune time to invite travelers to enjoy SAA’s affordable fares, world-class service and warm South African hospitality.”

    SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES FALL IN LOVE WITH SOUTH AFRICA FARES
    PAGE 2

    South African Airways is one of Africa’s most awarded airlines, honored with a 4-star rating for 16 consecutive years by Skytrax. South African Airways offers the most daily flights from the U.S. to South Africa with nonstop service from New York-JFK Airport and direct service from Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to Johannesburg via Accra, Ghana or Dakar, Senegal. Onboard, SAA offers an in-flight experience designed for pure comfort for long-haul travel. Our customers enjoy a spacious Economy Class cabin, a delicious choice of meals, a wide selection of complimentary spirits and award-winning South African wines, and generous checked baggage allowance. Also included are individual audio / visual entertainment systems that deliver an extensive menu of newly released movies, music choices, and games. Via our Johannesburg hub, SAA links the world to over 75 destinations across the African continent and Africa’s Indian Ocean islands.

    To book this special or for additional information, travelers should visit www.flysaa.com, call SAA
    Reservations at 1-(800) 722-9675 or contact their professional travel consultant. As one of the leading airlines in Africa, SAA also offers low fares to over 75 other exciting destinations throughout continent.


    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates
    daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and American Airlines,which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 16 consecutive years.


    *RESTRICTIONS
    Fares are valid for roundtrip travel and include all government and airline imposed taxes and fees. Valid for travel 4/1/19-5/31/19 (Blackout dates 4/16/19-4/30/19). The $799 fare is valid for travel from Washington Dulles (IAD) or New York (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB). The $855 fare is valid from Washington Dulles (IAD) or New York (JFK) to Cape Town (CPT). Fares must be purchased within 72 hours of reservation being made, or by 2/15/2019, whichever is first.No stopovers allowed. Minimum stay: Must stay over one Sunday for fares to apply. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Cancellations before/after departure: fares and carrier imposed fees (YR/YQ/Q) are nonrefundable. Date change fee: $300 plus any applicable fare difference. Administrative fees may also apply. Infant (not occupying a seat) discount - Pays 10% of the adult fare. Baggage and optional service fees may apply. Reservations made 7 days or more prior to scheduled departure may be canceled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made


    Like South African Airways on Facebook here                                       Follow South African Airways Twitter here

    Media Contact
    Todd Neuman
    Telephone: +1 (954) 769-5001
    Email: toddneuman@flysaa.com

  • JOHANNESBURG. 1 February 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline will resumes operations between Johannesburg and Blantyre, Malawi on Saturday, 2 February 2019. 
     
    The resumption of operations follows the conclusion of audit and inspection processes at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre relating to the condition of that airport. SAA suspended its operations on 18 January after it emerged that the state of the airport did not fully comply with conditions set out in its operating license. 
     
    “We are pleased that we are able to reinstate flights between the two points (Johannesburg and Blantyre) following the implementation of our corrective action plan. The plan was a battery of remedial interventions aimed at curing or responding to the audit findings,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.    
     
    SAA operates a three weekly service between Johannesburg and Blantyre (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). 
     
    South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) notified SAA on Friday afternoon that the regulator is satisfied with the measures taken to respond to the situation at the airport in Blantyre. 
    “We are grateful to all our partners and stakeholders, including the Malawian Ministry of Transport and the municipality, for collaboration, commitment and understanding as we worked towards resolving the situation as speedily as possible. 
    “We appreciate the guidance of the regulator to ensure that the condition of the airport now meets our licensing conditions for SAA to operate,” said Tlali. 
    The following flights will operate as per schedule:
     
    Saturday
    SA172 - 2 February 2019 | Johannesburg to Blantyre 
    SA173 - 2 February 2019 | Blantyre to Johannesburg 
     
    “We truly apologise to our passengers and customers for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of services for the last two weeks. Safety of our passengers and crew will always remain paramount in our operations,” Tlali concluded. 
     
    All customers who had elected to rebook their flights will be assisted based on the re-accommodation policy conditions that were published at the time when the cancellation of flights was announced. 
     
    Customers who have enquiries may contact SAA on the following Call Centre numbers: 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
    SAA will make the necessary decisions in response to demand and to clear any possible backlog as a result of the suspension of flights between Johannesburg and Blantyre. 
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 25 January 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline is likely to resume flights between Johannesburg and Blantyre, Malawi on Saturday, 2 February 2019.

    On 18 January, SAA took a decision to cancel flights between the two cities after the audit process conducted at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre confirmed that the airport was not fully compliant with minimum standards required for SAA to operate in line with its licensing conditions.

    “We took steps immediately after we suspended operations to Blantyre and dispatched personnel from our head office to augment our staff in Blantyre to attend to the audit findings to ensure compliance with our licensing conditions,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

    SAA put together a Corrective Action Plan and submitted it for consideration by its regulator, South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
    The airline, working together with the Malawian authorities as well as stakeholders such as the Malawian Ministry of Transport and the local municipality in Blantyre, implemented the required interventions to return the airport to expected levels for safe operations.
    On Thursday, SAA notified SACAA that the remedial interventions have been implemented.
    “We now await SACAA inspection of the airport and demonstration to them that we have successfully implemented required interventions as per our corrective action plan. Until measures put in place meet the satisfaction of SACAA, our operations between Johannesburg and Blantyre will remain suspended,” explained Tlali.
    SAA operates a three weekly service between Johannesburg and Blantyre (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays).

    “We understand that the inspection will take place next week Wednesday and we are optimistic that the regulator will be satisfied with the measures implemented. We would like to apologise to our passengers and customers for the inconvenience caused and trust that they will appreciate that the decisions to suspend flights and ensure compliance, were taken in the interests of safety for all,” concluded Tlali.
    SAA will confirm the date for the reinstatement of the service SACAA has granted permission to resume flights. It is anticipated that flights will resume on Saturday, 2 February 2019.

    South African Airways Contact details

    •    Call Centre, South Africa
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606

    •    General Enquiries
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    •    Website
    www.flysaa.com

    •    Twitter (Primary)
    @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    •    Twitter (Customer Service)
    @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    •    Facebook
    www.facebook.com/flysaa

    ENDS.

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

  • 'SAA Cargo the proud transporter of the Toyota bakkie that won the Dakar 2019 for the TGR SA team.'
     
    Johannesburg, 25 January 2019.  South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo), the airfreight partner of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, congratulates the team on their historic victory at the Dakar Rally 2019, which took place in Peru, South America from 6 to 17 January 2019.  The epic finish was a culmination of the team’s mental strength after 10 long and gruelling stages. 
     
    SAA Cargo ensured seamless transportation of the racing vehicles including spares to São Paulo, Brazil en route to Lima, Peru. The tough off-road sport, which tests vehicles’ durability, is also a test of endurance and technical ability.  The 41st edition of the Dakar Rally happened over a period of 11 days in southern Peru.  
     
    SAA Cargo’s Acting General Manager, Justice Luthuli said, “We are elated that Toyota have continued to entrust us with the responsibility to transport their vehicles.  We are also very proud of the association with the winning team”.
     
    Team SA was one of the front-runners as the Al Attiyah/Baumel combination bagged three stage wins during the race.  The Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team once again demonstrated a high level of endurance and navigational skills to strive in the most challenging off-road conditions.  
     
    “Winning the Dakar Rally has been our goal from the start,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team Principal, Glyn Hall, after Al Attiyah brought the South African-built Toyota Hilux home in first place. “Now that we’ve achieved that goal, it is clear that South African technology and design is not only good enough to compete at the highest levels, but also to win.”
    Overall Toyota Gazoo Racing SA standings after Stage 10:
    1. Al Attiyah / Baumel – overall winner
    2. De Villiers / Von Zitzewitz  –  9th place 
    3. Chabot / Pillot – 10th place  (as Toyota Gazoo Racing France)
    “We congratulate Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa for their outstanding finish at the world’s most gruelling off-road race.  The Team has lived up to expectations and represented our country with pride despite the many challenges faced in some of the stages of the race,” said Luthuli. 
     
    Well done to the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Team!
     
    Interesting Facts:
     
    The racing vehicles are designed in line with size restrictions for commercial cargo holds and thus built in such a way they can be disassembled to the size of a cargo pallet and container to be used;
    It takes about three (3) hours to disassemble each car and six (6) hours to reassemble;
    Each car weighs approximately 2 000 kilogrammes;
     
     
    -ENDS-
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
     
    About South African Airways Cargo (SAAC)
    SAAC is a specialist division of South African Airways (SAA), South Africa's flag carrier and largest domestic and international airline company, focusing on freight movement worldwide. It makes use of the belly space of SAA's passenger aircraft and its dedicated Boeing 737-300 freighters. SAAC has devoted considerable resources to the improvement and installation of facilities to handle all types of cargo and its vision is to be the leader in air cargo services between Africa and the world. It has received various prestigious awards for service excellence. SAA Cargo is the proud four times winner of Best Cargo Airline - Africa.
     
     
    For media information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Tlali Tlali (Mr)
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 82 333 3882
    Office: +27 11 978 2298
     
    For Cargo information contact:
     
    Thola Nzuza (Ms) 
    Communications
    Tel: +27 11 978 5943
    Mobile: +27 83 376 9297
    Email: TholaNzuza@flysaa.com
     
    Digital
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter: @flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 22 January 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline has extended its flight cancellations to include operations on Wednesday between Johannesburg and Blantyre, Malawi. 
     
    The extended cancellation of flights to include Wednesday is due to the implementation of the corrective action plan following audit findings at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre relating to the condition of the airport.
     
    SAA operates a three weekly service between Johannesburg and Blantyre (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). 
     
    The airline has dispatched a team from its head office to augment its local staff in Blantyre in order to accelerate the implementation of the interventions intended to remedy the situation and to allow South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to conduct inspections. 
     
    “We are encouraged by the level of commitment and urgency displayed by the authorities in working towards resolving the situation as speedily as possibly. We apologise to our passengers and customers for the inconvenience caused by these cancellations,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.
     
    SAA is optimistic that services between Johannesburg and Blantyre will be reinstated soon and is monitoring progress on a daily basis.
     
    “We are grateful to SACAA and appreciate their efforts in working with us to ensure the safety of our operations for the benefit of our customers and crew. We intend to maintain the prescribed operating standards and will not hesitate to take all and necessary steps in the interests of safety,” Tlali concluded.  
    The following flights are affected:
     
    Wednesday
    SA172 - 23 January 2019 | Johannesburg to Blantyre 
    SA173 - 23 January 2019 | Blantyre to Johannesburg 
     
    Due to the above cancelled flights, SAA advises that customers can choose to be re-routed between Johannesburg and Lilongwe (LLW) for the period 19 January to 26 January 2019. Customers will be re-accommodated to the following scheduled flights:
     
    SA170 - Johannesburg (JNB) - Lilongwe (LLW)
    SA171 - Lilongwe (LLW) - Johannesburg (JNB) 
     
    Un-ticketed customers: 
    All customers that have not been ticketed can choose to be re-booked onto the Lilongwe flights operated by SAA.
     
    Rebooking Conditions Applicable:
    SAA will rebook affected passengers onto the operation between Johannesburg and Lilongwe, where applicable;
    Re-accommodation of reservations has been made by South African Airways onto the closest available flight between Johannesburg and Lilongwe. 
    Change of cabin will not be permitted.
    Change fees will be waivered
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 26 January 2019. The booking owner may re-issue the ticket. 
    Tickets to be endorsed “INVOL Re-route due SA (flight nr) CXD/Date”.
    In the event customers do not want to travel to Lilongwe, they can request a full Refund of the unused portion/ticket.
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
    South African Airways regrets any inconvenience to our customers as a result of the cancellations.  Please be patient with us whilst we work on getting all our customers to their destinations safely.
     

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 18 January 2019. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline has cancelled Saturday and Monday’s flights to Blantyre, Malawi due to audit conducted at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre for airport compliance.
     
    Whilst the airport authority continues to keep the airport open, the essential services at Chileka International Airport are not fully compliant with minimum standards required for SAA to operate in line with its licensing conditions. SAA has therefore taken the decision to cancel two of its flights operating on Saturday and Monday to and from Blantyre. 
     
    SAA, in conjunction with the relevant authorities, will work on ensuring the airport meets the operational requirements set out in SAA's licensing conditions and to the satisfaction of its regulator, SA Civil Aviation Authority.
    The following flights are affected:
     
    Saturday 
    SA172 - 19 January 2019 | Johannesburg to Blantyre 
    SA173 - 19 January 2019 | Blantyre to Johannesburg 
     
    Monday 
    SA172 - 21 January 2019 | Johannesburg to Blantyre
    SA173 - 21 January 2019 |Blantyre to Johannesburg
     
    Due to the above cancelled flights, SAA advises that customers can choose to be re-routed between Johannesburg and Lilongwe (LLW) for the period 19 January to 21 January 2019. Customers will be re-accommodated on the following scheduled flights:
     
    SA170  - Johannesburg (JNB)  - Lilongwe (LLW)
    SA171  - Lilongwe (LLW)  - Johannesburg (JNB) 
     
    Un-ticketed customers: 
    All customers that have not been ticketed can choose to be re-booked onto the Lilongwe flights operated by SAA.   
     
    Rebooking Conditions Applicable:
    SAA will rebook affected passengers onto the operation between Johannesburg and Lilongwe, where applicable;
    Re-accommodation of reservations has been made by South African Airways onto the closest available flight between Johannesburg and Lilongwe. 
    Change of cabin will not be permitted.
    Change fees will be waivered
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 21 January 2019. The booking owner may re-issue the ticket. 
    Tickets to be endorsed “INVOL Re-route due SA (flight nr) CXD/Date”.
    In the event customers do not want to travel to Lilongwe, they can request a full Refund of the unused portion/ticket.
     
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
    South African Airways regrets any inconvenience to our customers as a result of the cancellations.  Please be patient with us whilst we work on getting all our customers to their destinations safely.
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
     
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 17 January 2019. South African Airways (SAA), the leading carrier on the continent, has made further strides towards improving customer experience across the SA Brand.

    SA codeshare customers travelling on multiple sectors will be able to through-check their baggage to the final destination when booked on the SA code all the way, connecting between Mango, SAA and other codeshare partner operated flights.

    The Mango codeshare now joins SAA’s other partner airlines, SA Express and SA Airlink which operate on the “SA” code, to allow customers to through-check baggage when their journey originates anywhere in South Africa.

    “Our strategic aim is to continuously improve our service offering so that we can provide our customers with a service that is hassle free and more pleasant. This latest improvement takes away the inconvenience of picking up and re-checking one’s baggage when connecting in Johannesburg, and saves time allowing customers more leisure time before departing on the next leg of their journey,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.

    As an example, customers will be able to through-check all the way from Durban-Johannesburg-Frankfurt-Stockholm when travelling on the SA code on a Mango operated flight from Durban – Johannesburg, then on an SAA operated flight from Johannesburg to Frankfurt and further on the SA code on a Lufthansa operated flight from Frankfurt to Stockholm.

    Note that all international arriving customers, with their final destination in South Africa, still need to collect their baggage at the first port of entry as per customs regulations. However, SA coded customers can make use of the conveniently located SAA and Mango re-check facility at the international arrivals hall for their onward domestic connections.

     “This latest customer service offering, reinforces seamless connectivity for our customers across the SAA brand,” concludes Tlali.

    -ends- 

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 15 January 2019. South African Airways (SAA) has appointed advocate Vusi Pikoli to its leadership team. He is currently an advisor to the Minister of State Security and was previously the National Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 

    Adv. Pikoli joins SAA from 1 February 2019 as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, reporting to SAA Group CEO Vuyani Jarana.

    “The appointment of adv. Pikoli is as important as it is significant in demonstrating our resolve to bringing capacity to strengthen the executive team to execute on our turnaround strategy with much urgency. He brings a wealth of experience and is known to be a disciplined and strong administrator,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson. 
    SAA has made it one of its priorities to cleanse the organization of corruption.

    As the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Adv. Pikoli will be responsible for Risk Management and Compliance functions in SAA comprising of aviation and general legislation compliance. He will also be responsible for the overall strategic and operational responsibility for the integrated Risk Management Strategy for SAA.

    “We are resolute about our commitment to restore and maintain good governance at required levels at SAA as this is one of the important enablers for the effective implementation of our turnaround plan,” concludes Tlali.

    Adv. Pikoli holds impeccable credentials having completed BA (Law), LLB, LLM, Business Leadership Programme and is an admitted Advocate of the High Court in South Africa. He previously served as Head of the NPA from 2005 until 2007, as Director-General for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and has private sector experience as a Director and Head of Forensic Investigations. 

    He has aviation industry exposure through his involvement in reinsurance of aircraft fleet while working for an insurance company. 

    ENDS. 


    SAA Spokesperson

    Tlali Tlali (Mr)

    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com

    Mobile: +27 82 333 3882

    Office: +27 11 978 2298

  • Johannesburg, 03 January 2019.  South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) is proud to be the official airfreight partner of the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Team at the 2019 Dakar Rally.  The race takes place from 6 to 17 January in Peru, South America. The Dakar Rally is one of the biggest motorsports events in the world and is seen as the pinnacle in off-road motor racing and the ultimate test of vehicle durability.  
    The partnership, which has been in place since 2012, involves transportation of the racing vehicles to Sao Paulo, Brazil en route to Lima, Peru for the start.  The shipment consists of two vehicles and spares, which weigh about 8500 kgs.  
     
    “Transporting our race cars to South America could take months if we sent them via sea freight,” explained Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team Principal, Glyn Hall. “But thanks to our partnership with SAA Cargo, the transport time is vastly reduced, giving us extra time to develop and prepare the cars for the race.”
     
    It takes nearly a day for the shipment to reach its destination. “The long-standing partnership is a demonstration of trust placed on us by Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team to handle their most valuable shipment. Through this partnership, we can showcase SAA Cargo’s capability as the provider of air freight solutions.  It takes about two months to prepare for the journey, in order to ensure seamless transportation. At the centre of this, is our commitment to deliver consistently on customer expectations.  We rely on our capable team to make it possible,” said Justice Luthuli, SAA Cargo’s Acting General Manager.
     
    The 41st edition of the Dakar Rally will start and end in Lima, Peru. The event takes place over a period of 11 days and involves 10 racing stages. There will be 450 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads which will cover a total distance of some 6 500 kilometers. 
     
    “The team has, without fail over the years, achieved Top Five finishes at the Dakar Rally.  We strongly believe that they will again impress this year, and wish them best of luck,” said Luthuli.
     
    The Toyota Gazoo Racing SA team will be represented by veteran Giniel de Villiers and navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz; Nasser Al Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel; and Dutch driver Bernhard ten Brinke with navigator Xavier Panseri next to him. 
     
    Interesting facts
     
    The racing vehicles are designed in line with size restrictions for commercial cargo holds and thus built in such a way that they can be disassembled to the size of the pallet and container to be used
    It takes about three hours to disassemble each car and six hours to reassemble
    Each car weighs approximately 2000kgs
     
     
    About South African Airways Cargo (SAAC)
    SAAC is a specialist division of South African Airways (SAA), South Africa's flag carrier and largest domestic and international airline company, focusing on freight movement worldwide. It makes use of the belly space of SAA's passenger aircraft and its dedicated Boeing 737-300 freighters. SAAC has devoted considerable resources to the improvement and installation of facilities to handle all types of cargo and its vision is to be the leader in air cargo services between Africa and the world. It has received various prestigious awards for service excellence. SAA Cargo is the proud four times winner of Best Cargo Airline - Africa.
     
    For media information, please contact:
     
    SAA Spokesperson
    Tlali Tlali (Mr)
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 82 333 3882
    Office: +27 11 978 2298
     
    For Cargo information contact:
     
    Thola Nzuza (Ms) 
    Communications
    Tel: +27 11 978 5943
    Mobile: +27 83 376 9297
    Email: TholaNzuza@flysaa.com
     
    Digital
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter: @flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG. 2 January 2019. South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, will increase its frequency on nonstop flights between Accra’s Kotoka International Airport and Washington, D.C.-Dulles International Airport to five days weekly starting 1 April 2019. SAA offers the only nonstop flight between Ghana and Washington D.C. and offers travellers convenient connections to / from over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada through its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines via Washington, D.C.-Dulles.
    “SAA continues to see growing demand for our nonstop Accra service and this increase in our frequency will give our business and leisure customers more options,” said Todd Neuman, SAA’s regional general manager for North America. “Our service between Accra and Washington-Dulles has been a resounding success from its inception in 2015 and we are very pleased to further develop the route with the introduction of a fifth weekly flight.”
    South African Airways’ flights from Johannesburg to Accra will be available five days a week with continuing service to Washington operating on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  SAA’s increase of flights on the route will also serve to support the new code share partnership with Africa World Airlines, which will soon be in place, by offering convenient connections between Accra and additional destinations in West Africa including; Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria; Monrovia, Liberia and Freetown, Sierra Leone.  In addition, SAA will continue to operate flights between Washington D.C.-Dulles and Dakar, Senegal and onwards to Johannesburg, two days per week, providing service on the only wide-body aircraft flying nonstop between the U.S. and Senegal.
    SAA’s flights between Washington-Dulles and Accra will be operated with the wide-body Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring 46 full-flat 180° beds with direct aisle access at every seat in Premium Business Class and 203 seats in Economy Class in a spacious and comfortable cabin. Customers travelling in both Premium Business Class and Economy Class will enjoy an extensive menu of on-demand audio and visual entertainment options, in-seat power ports, freshly prepared meals and complimentary bar service featuring award-winning South African wines. 
    The new flight schedule is as follows (all times are local):
    Washington D.C. - Accra – Johannesburg
    SA #210
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday SA #209 
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
    Depart Washington D.C – IAD: 5.40PM Depart Johannesburg, South Africa: 6.35PM
    Arrive Accra, Ghana: 8:00AM +1 Arrive Accra, Ghana: 10:35PM
    Depart Accra, Ghana: 9:00AM +1 Depart Accra, Ghana: 11:35PM
    Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa: 4.45PM +1 Arrive Washington D.C – IAD: 6.25AM +1
    Note: +1 is the following day
    For reservations and information, customers should visit www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways’ Reservations at 1-(800) 722-9675 or their professional travel consultant. 
    -ENDS-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

 

 

2018

  • JOHANNESBURG. 18 December 2018. South African Airways (SAA), the South African flag carrier and Emirates, the world’s largest international airline are expanding their commercial relationship with enhancements to a codeshare agreement, opening up new destinations for both SAA and Emirates customers.

     

    SAA and Emirates have signed an enhanced commercial partnership, which will see the relationship between the two carriers grow and strengthen their already successful codeshare agreement signed in 1997, across a wide spectrum of commercial and customer touch points.

     

    “This agreement marks a significant forward step in the execution of our strategy and in transforming our business.  It will enable us to explore and leverage synergies between ourselves in a much more enhanced relationship of mutual benefit. Our route network and that of Emirates complement one another. The expansion of our commercial relationship will further strengthen key focus areas of the implementation of our turnaround plan,” says SAA CEO Vuyani Jarana.

     

    “We remain deeply committed to our decades-long relationship with SAA, and the forthcoming expansion of our codeshare agreement is an exciting development and a significant milestone in our history in South Africa,” said Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline.  

     

    “We have seen great success with the codeshare agreement, having enabled greater connectivity to both SAA and Emirates customers, by offering more choice, flexibility and ease of connections to a wide range of cities via Dubai and across more points in Southern Africa. Increasing the scope of our agreement underpins the strong bonds we share with SAA and our belief that this enhanced partnership will enable further success and gain to the airlines and their customers”.

     

    In 2017/18, the codeshare agreement between SAA and Emirates saw approximately 90,000 passengers benefit from seamless travel and greater connectivity.  Emirates launched operations to South Africa in 1995 with flights between Dubai and Johannesburg. The relationship between SAA and Emirates spans over 20 years dating back to June 1997 with the signing of Emirates’ first ever codeshare agreement, whereby the SAA code started to appear on flights operated by Emirates to Dubai.

     

    SAA is able to offer its customers seats on the eight daily flights operated by Emirates between South Africa and Dubai (four daily flights from Johannesburg including its iconic A380 aircraft, three daily flights from Cape Town and one daily flight from Durban).

    The enhanced agreement means the codeshare will be expanded across both carriers’ networks.

     

    The two airlines will work towards bringing more synergies in their respective route network, customer touch points, cargo services and flight schedules to enable seamless connectivity and enhance passenger flows. Connectivity will be improved by adjusting connecting times through Johannesburg, with a special focus on popular regional markets.

     

    Included in the new agreement are plans to enhance the frequent flyer programs, SAA’s Voyager and Emirates’ Skywards programme.  Emirates became a Voyager airline partner in 2000, which means Voyager members are able to earn and redeem Miles on flights operated by Emirates; and similarly, Skywards members are able to earn and redeem Miles on SAA-operated flights.

     

    The airlines will separately work on other areas of bilateral cooperation and an exchange of best practices across multiple airline functions.

     

    -ends-

     

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

     

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

     

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Emirates

    Add contact details here

     

    SAA General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

    ENDS

  • South African Airways rejects claims on social media that it procures bottled water at a premium

    Johannesburg, 7 December 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) disputes false claims on social media that the airline procures bottled water at a premium price.

    “We have noted with concern false claims spread on social media and instant messaging platforms that SAA pays R17.50 for its supplies of bottled water, a rate considerably higher than the retail or market price. These claims are untrue, misleading and damaging.  

    SAA procures bottled water at a rate lesser than the wholesale price (R2.75) suggested on social media platforms.

     “We challenge anyone making these averments to support them with evidence that confirms their validity.

    “This seems to be a campaign calculated to undermine SAA’s efforts to transform itself as the airline makes progress and works towards becoming self-sustainable in three years. In addition, those behind these baseless claims, if left unchallenged, will hurt the business and its brand,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA’s spokesperson.

    These claims were already made in December 2017 and rebutted at that time.

    A company the size of SAA procures its supplies and products from a range of suppliers and manufacturers in substantial volumes and we must ensure that we conduct business in a manner compliant with our own supply chain policy, National Treasury regulations and other relevant legal prescripts.

    “Price competitiveness is one of the most important considerations in evaluating bids and forms part of our criteria in any tender process. It would be reckless to procure this commodity at an exorbitant rate. In this case, we source bottled water from the bottling company and not from any third parties or a middle man,” explained Tlali.

    Given the cutthroat competitive environment in which SAA operates, every effort is made to maintain a competitive edge to advance our commercial interests – and this includes a pricing advantage the airline must secure on its supplies.

    “It would have been useful and responsible for those who put such baseless claims up for public consumption, to have taken steps first to verify or validate their information in order to avoid misleading the public and our stakeholders,” concluded Tlali.

    At SAA, our focus is on executing the turnaround strategy in order to bring the airline to financial sustainability within three years.

    SAA will consider its legal options on this matter as we now see a pattern developing on this misinformation campaign and this is creating disillusionment and has the potential to hurt our commercial interests.

    -ENDS-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • SAA recognized as “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa”  
     
     
    Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 4, 2018) – South African Airways (SAA), a Skytrax 4-Star rated 
    airline for 16 consecutive years, has been honored by Business Traveler magazine’s readers as “Best 
    Business Class to Africa” and “Best Airline in Africa” in the magazine’s annual survey. This year marks the 
    10th consecutive year that SAA has been selected as “Best Airline in Africa” and the 9th consecutive year 
    as “Best Business Class to Africa” by the publication’s readers. Business Traveler is one of the leading 
    publications for the frequent global business travelers.   

    “We recognize that Business Traveler magazine’s readers are sophisticated jetsetters who expect 
    only the finest products and services when they fly, so we are honored that they’ve named us best in the 
    Africa for the past decade,” said Todd Neuman executive vice president for South African Airways in North 
    America. “This is also tremendous tribute the employees of SAA that provide world-class service to these 
    important travelers and a validation of our efforts to continually enhance and improve our service offering 
    to the African continent.”   
       
    SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS HONORED AS AFRICA’S BEST BY BUSINESS TRAVELER MAGAZINE   PAGE 2 
     
    The readers’ selection of SAA as Africa’s best is a reflection of the consistently high-quality service 
    that retains the airline’s long-standing position as the preferred carrier for business travel to the 
    continent. 

    “For business travelers, the quality of their trips are measured from end-to-end,” said Dan Booth, 
    editorial director of Business Traveler.  “South African Airways stands out in their service both to and 
    within Africa thanks to their long history and cultural connections with the continent.  Our readers 
    recognize SAA for consistently providing the best air travel experience in this important and growing area 
    of the world.” 

    As the leading carrier from the U.S. to South Africa, South African Airways offers the most flights 
    with nonstop service from New York–JFK Airport to Johannesburg, and daily nonstop service from 
    Washington, DC-Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, or Accra, Ghana, with continued service to Johannesburg. From 
    its hub in Johannesburg, SAA together with its regional partners SA Express, Airlink and Mango, offers 
    easy and convenient connections to more than 75 destinations throughout Africa.  SAA’s awarding –
    winning Premium Business Class offers 180 fully lie-flat seating with duvet and full-size pillows, gourmet 
    cuisine designed by renowned South African celebrity chefs, a wine cellar featuring some of South Africa’s 
    finest vintages and extensive programming of on-demand audio and visual entertainment.  

    For further information on South African Airways product and services, please visit 
    www.flysaa.com, call SAA Reservations at 1-(800) 722-9675 or contact your professional travel consultant. 
     
    About South African Airways 
    South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and American Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 16 consecutive years. 
     
     
    Like South African Airways on Facebook here     Follow South African Airways Twitter here  
     
    Media Contact Todd Neuman Telephone:  +1 (954) 769-5001 Email: toddneuman@flysaa.com 

  • JOHANNESBURG. 4 December 2018 – If you think rising fuel costs and a tough economy have ruined your big plans to travel and see the world, SAA and Nedbank say you should think again. That’s because this partnership, which has been helping to realise the travel dreams of millions of South Africans for years, has just launched the new SAA Voyager Cheque Card – the first cheque card in the world that allows users to earn air miles, and makes redeeming them quicker, easier and more rewarding than ever before. 

    According to Chris Wood, Executive: Card Issuing and Payments at Nedbank, the SAA Voyager Cheque Card is Nedbank’s response to growing demands from South Africans from all walks of life for a transactional card that allows them to earn SAA Voyager Miles, so that they can realise their travel aspirations. All of this without having to qualify for, or use a credit card. 

    “Over the years, the SAA Voyager Credit Card from Nedbank has become one of the most appealing and easiest ways for South Africans to earn SAA Voyager Miles,” explains Wood “and the launch of the new SAA Voyager Cheque Card allows even more people access to this globally recognised frequent flyer programme, which can transport them to any destination through established partnerships.”

    SAA Executive for Customer Loyalty, Suretha Cruse, explains that even if you are not a frequent traveller, the fastest way to earn miles is by using any of SAA Voyager’s Credit or Cheque Cards from Nedbank. Whilst most of our programme members prefer using their miles for flights, Voyager Miles can be exchanged for a wide variety of travel rewards, including stays at selected accommodation partners, car hire, exotic cruises, duty-free shopping, online gifting, and even health spa experiences. 

    “We spent time in evaluating the Voyager model to gauge how best we could leverage our unique offering to our clientele. We found that the best way to meet our objective was to allow our customers to enjoy various benefits from joining just one loyalty programme,” she says. 

    “In addition to being able to redeem Voyager Miles for flights, upgrades and various travel-related expenses, SAA Voyager Premium cardholders enjoy an enhanced travel experience thanks to preferential check-in and lounge access when flying on SAA-operated flights or SAA marketing flights where Mango is the carrier.
    Best of all, and similar to the existing SAA Voyager Credit Cards, as an SAA Voyager Cheque Card holder, you don’t have to take that trip of a lifetime alone. We have specifically tailored our offering to include qualifying gold or premium cardholders, one companion ticket per year to a local or global destination depending on their card status and spend threshold,” says Cruse. 

    Apart from the fastest miles earning rate in South Africa with steady accumulation on daily spend, there are many opportunities to earn bonus miles. “These bonuses include 2 500 miles on signing up to the programme, double miles on eligible spend for the first month after the account has been opened, bonus miles when reaching spend thresholds, and additional miles when paying for an SAA flight with your SAA Voyager Card,” she says. 
    The Voyager Premium and Gold Credit cards will also be relaunched with the introduction of a stunningly unique card design, adding more exciting benefits such as preferential discounted flights on SAA operated flights and spend incentives. Nedbank has simplified the card application process as well. You can apply online for your SAA Voyager Card or at any Nedbank branch. The SAA Voyager Cheque Card can also be added to select Nedbank transactional accounts and is available to existing and new clients. 
    Ends.
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About SAA Voyager
    Belonging to the extensive SAA Voyager partner network means that it is possible for the customer to earn and redeem Voyager Miles for flights to almost any destination on the planet. SAA Voyager miles can be earned or redeemed on SAA, SA Express, Mango, and Airlink flights as well as 27 Star Alliance partner airlines and eight non-Star Alliance partners.  SAA Voyager members are also able to use their miles to upgrade their flights on SAA and Star Alliance partner airlines or redeem their miles for in-flight purchases from FlySAA Duty Free.
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
    SAA Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    SAA General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 4 December 2018. The leading carrier in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, South African Airways (SAA), is celebrating 20 years of non-stop operations between Johannesburg and Africa’s most populous city, Lagos, Nigeria.

    Operations commenced on 4 December 1998 as SAA launched its first flight into Nigeria soon after the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between the two countries had been signed.  SAA has since brought several aircraft onto this route, from the initial Airbus 300 series, which had to make a technical stop en-route in Luanda to the Boeing 767 and the B747-400 and to the Airbus A340–600, which was then replaced by the current state of the art Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

    SAA operates a daily service to Murtalla Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, consistently delivering exceptional turnaround times and excellent facilities including state of the art on-demand inflight entertainment system, increased economy and business class space and legroom for extra comfort.

    “The Nigeria operations rank amongst SAA’s most profitable and we want to continue to support this important destination by continuously improving the overall customer experience and exploring new opportunities. This will enable us to retain our market position as the carrier of choice amongst the Nigerian travelling community. Our understanding of our customer profiles who travel in both business and economy class cabins, is one of the reasons we decided to deploy the A330-300 aircraft which responds well to the needs of this market,” said Pumla Luhabe, SAA General Manager Commercial.  

    With its thriving economy, Nigeria is Africa’s economic powerhouse; Lagos is a high-energy city famous for its vibrant lifestyle, set against the backdrop of the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, and their world renowned music industry bolstered by heavyweights such as the late legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti to the modern day Davido, DBanj, and Psquare to mention a few. Nigeria offers numerous commercial opportunities and a cultural experience like no other.

    “Nigeria is among the top destinations to which we fly, and over the past 20 years SAA has transported over three (3) million passengers into the region and we will continue to listen to our customers to ensure we are providing them with the best possible service for continued loyalty. Reinforcing our legacy of exceptional service, SAA was recently voted Best Airline Staff in Africa at the World Aviation Awards,” concludes Luhabe.

    In honour of this milestone, SAA rolled out a campaign that saw brand activation on social media, radio and print publications from September 2018 in the Nigeria region. Some of the activities include Voyager / Corporate dinner,  a Travel trade award function, SAA movie night for the Travel trade and to the children of the Arrow of God Orphanage (an Orphanage supported by SAA over the past 8 years), all leading to a celebration to be hosted in Lagos this December. 

    -Ends-

     

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 2 December 2018. South African Airways, the national flag carrier and iconic South African brand, today joined the world in honour of Nelson Mandela, the first President of a democratic SA and Nobel Laureate, with a special fly-over at the Global Citizen Concert.


    The fly-over was reminiscent of another special and historic “Madiba moment” when SAA did a fly-over more than two decades ago at the 1995 Rugby World Cup finals. The world watched as former President Mandela captivated the crowd and the world. The moment when Madiba walked onto the pitch wearing a Springbok cap and replica of the number six captain jersey was immortalised in the inspiring movie Invictus. 

    SAA today again captured the crowds when the biggest aircraft type in its fleet, the Airbus A340-600, with a message “Global Citizen – Be The Legacy – Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018” on its belly, seamlessly executed the fly-over at approximately 13h35. In the cockpit were Captain Andre Steenkamp, and First Officer Bradley Bennetts, with Captain Pierre Gouws overseeing safety. The crowds cheered when the SAA aircraft glided across the skies over the excitement-filled FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, shortly before the official program for the day got underway. 

    “At the time when the world faces major challenges of inequality, poverty and intolerance, “the global citizen initiative”, is a fitting tribute to Nelson Mandela’s contribution to Global Humanity.   SAA is proud to have played a part, however small, says Vuyani Jarana, SAA CEO.

    The generous contribution of sponsors made the fly-over possible. SAA would like to express gratitude to Engen and Shell SA for sponsoring jet fuel, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) who have wavered take-off and landing fees, as well as SAA flight deck crew and technicians who volunteered their time.
    The flyover is the highlight of SAA’s activities to mark the Nelson Mandela centenary celebrations. The airline introduced a campaign in his honour in celebration and recognition of his influence towards the course of humanity in general and for his selfless contribution towards the transformation of South Africa, its freedom, and democracy South Africans enjoy today.

    About Global Citizen Festival

    “The Global Citizen Festival is part of a movement to end extreme poverty. By contributing to charity acts on the website, including watching videos and signing petitions, fans can get free tickets to the festival. In addition, the organisers are striving to make the event "global" by live-streaming events in public locations. Since 2015, the goals of the festival have been closely aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include 17 tasks to end extreme global poverty by 2030”.

    -ends- 
                 
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:


    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    SAA Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    SAA General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

     

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL (November 20, 2018) – South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®), the leisure division of South African Airways, is offering a Thanksgiving sale with savings of $500* off per person on their array of affordable air-inclusive luxury holidays throughout Africa. Tremendous savings are available to breathtaking Botswana, charming Cape Town, mesmerizing Victoria Falls or a myriad of other superb destinations throughout Africa. From world class hotels in Africa’s top cities to luxurious safari lodges, this special discount applies to SAA Vacations® packages booked by November 27, 2018 for travel January 10-March 31, 2019.
    "In the spirit of giving thanks, SAA Vacations is excited to offer $500* off per person on our portfolio of air-inclusive vacation packages to Africa,” said Terry von Guilleaume, president of SAA Vacations®. “With exciting and varied destinations throughout the continent, there are numerous vacation options for couples or the whole family to enjoy. The Thanksgiving savings offer an exceptional value, but travellers must hurry to book this limited sale.”
    Travel packages customized by SAA Vacations® are inclusive of round-trip air transportation on award-winning South African Airways, hotel and/or safari lodge accommodations, personalized assistance in country throughout your journey, ground transportation, sightseeing tours, meals, and game park fees. With a highly trained staff who specialize in promoting Africa, no one knows Africa better than SAA Vacations®.
    This special discount on South African Airways Vacations® air-inclusive packages is available for new reservations made by November 27, 2018. To take advantage of the $500* discount or for more information, travelers should contact SAA Vacations at 1-855-359-7228 or a professional travel consultant. South AfricanAirways Vacations offers holiday options for all budgets, with experts on hand to ensure clients experience the vacation of their dreams. For more vacation packages to Africa, please visit www.flysaavacations.com.
    About South African Airways Vacations®
    A division of South African Airways (SAA), South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®) is highly regarded for its wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa and uses SAA’s extensive route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana and the Indian Ocean Islands. Offering more than 50 air-inclusive packages, which range from value to superb luxury. Our specialty-themed programs offer unique experiences, whether you are interested in safaris, culture, cuisine, romance and adventure. The program is managed and fulfilled by Destination Southern Africa (DSA), which was founded in 2001 and offers an extensive portfolio of tour programs with a variety of hotels, game lodges and safari companies throughout Southern Africa.
    About South African Airways
    South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-star rating for 16 consecutive years.
    Like South African Airways Vacations on Facebook here Follow South African Airways Vacations on Twitter here.
    Like South African Airways on Facebook here. Follow South African Airways on Twitter here.
    *Terms & Conditions
    Offer is per person based on required double occupancy. Valid as of November 20, 2018 for departures from New York or Washington, D.C. between January 10 - March 31, 2019. Offer does not apply to other departure cities. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer does not apply to groups of 8 or more passengers. Subject to availability and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Valid only for air inclusive packages. Offer excludes extension packages. Offer excludes business class packages. Offer is valid for new bookings only, are not retroactive and may change without notice. Baggage and optional service fees, cancellation charges and other restrictions may apply. Package includes all government and airline imposed taxes and fees.

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL (November 20, 2018) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa, is offering tremendous savings with special fares from the U.S. to destinations in Africa for 7-days only over the Thanksgiving holiday. Low fares are offered from Washington, DC-Dulles International Airport and New York-JFK International Airport to Johannesburg, South Africa starting from $699.00* roundtrip (restrictions apply). Additionally, fares from Washington Dulles to Accra, Ghana start at just $729.00* roundtrip (restrictions apply) and Washington Dulles to Dakar, Senegal from $725.00* (restrictions apply) roundtrip. Great low fares are also available to Cape Town and Durban, South Africa. Travel on these sale fares is applicable between January 10 and March 31, 2019, with tickets purchased by Tuesday, November 27, 2018.
    “SAA is offering its lowest fares of the year for travel in early 2019, so now is a great time book that dream getaway to Africa” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president - North America for South African Airways. “These low fares, combined with very favorable currency exchange rates in Africa, make the perfect holiday present for everyone. These great fares coupled with Africa’s majestic beauty, world-class cities, spectacular wildlife and rich culture will provide travellers with a lifetime of memories.”

  • JOHANNESBURG. 20 November 2018 – South African Airways (SAA) freight division, SAA Cargo, is the proud airfreight partner of The Love Quilt Project (LQP), the US-based non-profit organisation that helps vulnerable children in South Africa and the US.  

    SAA Cargo, as part of the airline being a responsible corporate citizen, when contacted once again by LQP through its New York office, jumped at the opportunity to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate.  To assist, Cargo recently transported over 100 handmade quilts from the US on behalf of LQP.  Many of these quilts were handed over in Pretoria to children who are orphaned and many of them affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic on Saturday, 17 November 2018.  More quilts will be given to children in the Western Cape on Saturday, 24 November.

    Justice Luthuli, SAA Cargo’s General Manager (Acting) says, “SAA Cargo has a long-standing relationship with The Love Quilt Project and is proud to be associated with an organisation that makes great impact on many children’s lives.  In 2016, we were honoured to have supported LQP by helping to bring the quilts to South Africa.  We consider it a privilege to have once again partnered with the organisation to bring hope and show love to these children through the beautifully handmade quilts.”

    SAA Cargo, in partnership with LQP, has transported over 400 quilts over the past five years for the benefit of the children. 

    Gretchen Ginnerty, the LQP President says, “LQP uses the healing power of love to change the lives of vulnerable and orphaned South African children, many of them affected by HIV and AIDS. American children send messages of love expressed through art to brighten lives and help heal these children. These messages are created on fabric squares stitched into beautiful quilts that are given to children in need. LQP teaches tolerance and compassion, and through this initiative, the children are taught about the healing power of love and its ability to positively impact the world”.  

    This project is in line with our belief that, “Love is the common thread that binds us all together as humans.”  In a spirit of reciprocity, the South African children receive this same lesson before they receive their quilt and also create art squares for quilts to be given to American children mostly affected by HIV/AIDS.

    -ENDS-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.  

    About South African Airways Cargo:
    South African Airways Cargo (SAAC) is a specialist division of South African Airways (SAA), South Africa's flag carrier and largest domestic and international airline company, focusing on freight movement worldwide. It makes use of the belly space of SAA's passenger aircraft and its dedicated Boeing B737-300 freighters. SAAC has devoted considerable resources to the improvement and installation of facilities to handle all types of cargo and its vision is to be the leader in air cargo services between Africa and the world. It has received various prestigious awards for service excellence. SAA Cargo is the proud winner of Best Cargo Airline - Africa 2017 received at Air Cargo News Awards and Air Cargo Brand of Year Africa 2017 received at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    For SAA Cargo Information: 

    Communications
    Ms Thola Nzuza
    Tel: +27 (0)11 978-5943
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 376-9297
    Email: TholaNzuza@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 11 November 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) would like to assure all its stakeholders, customers and suppliers of business continuity after government clarified its position that the airline will not be shut down or sold. 

    This means, SAA will continue to render services and honour its obligations towards its customers, partners and suppliers. 

    Government as a shareholder has not communicated any change in strategy and approach on the future of SAA. 

    On Monday, 5 November 2018, the shareholder representative, Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, clarified government’s position that whilst the airline would continue to operate, there was heightened expectation for SAA to execute on its strategy to restore the airline financially and operationally, with more commitment and a greater sense of urgency. He indicated that the public was losing patience with SAA. Minister Gordhan urged all at SAA to work together with government to prove that SAA can be turned into a good business again. 

    SAA also welcomes the assurance by President Cyril Ramaphosa in parliament on Tuesday last week that the airline will remain in business, noting that government is considering various options, which include the possibility of an equity partner. 

    SAA’s strategy implementation is on track and there are ‘green shoots’ that indicate positive results on initiatives already implemented, particularly in the airline’s route network. This follows the implementation of capacity adjustment in the domestic market and network optimization in the regional and international markets. 

    Whereas there is more work to be done to implement the strategy, we are encouraged by the progress we are making to turn the company around. 

    The airline’s position is that it will take three years to bring the company to a break-even position. However, on the strength of the airline’s current interventions, as well as monitoring how these are implemented, the shareholder decided to provide part of required financial assistance to the airline. 

    SAA is an airline of global reach and a strong brand, with presence and operations in all continents. Its suppliers, partners and customers are in various markets across the world and are sensitive to any sentiments that may cast doubt about the future of the airline. 

    There is every resolve to address long-standing legacy issues, to improve the performance of the business, to regain its market share and to provide its customers continued and improved service. 

    -ends- 

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    SAA Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    SAA General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • South African Airways assures customers and suppliers of business continuity following government clarification about its future 
    JOHANNESBURG. 11 November 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) would like to assure all its stakeholders, customers and suppliers of business continuity after government clarified its position that the airline will not be shut down or sold. 
    This means, SAA will continue to render services and honour its obligations towards its customers, partners and suppliers. 
    Government as a shareholder has not communicated any change in strategy and approach on the future of SAA. 
    On Monday, 5 November 2018, the shareholder representative, Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, clarified government’s position that whilst the airline would continue to operate, there was heightened expectation for SAA to execute on its strategy to restore the airline financially and operationally, with more commitment and a greater sense of urgency. He indicated that the public was losing patience with SAA. Minister Gordhan urged all at SAA to work together with government to prove that SAA can be turned into a good business again. 
    SAA also welcomes the assurance by President Cyril Ramaphosa in parliament on Tuesday last week that the airline will remain in business, noting that government is considering various options, which include the possibility of an equity partner. 
    SAA’s strategy implementation is on track and there are ‘green shoots’ that indicate positive results on initiatives already implemented, particularly in the airline’s route network. This follows the implementation of capacity adjustment in the domestic market and network optimization in the regional and international markets. 
    Whereas there is more work to be done to implement the strategy, we are encouraged by the progress we are making to turn the company around. 
    The airline’s position is that it will take three years to bring the company to a break-even position. However, on the strength of the airline’s current interventions, as well as monitoring how these are implemented, the shareholder decided to provide part of required financial assistance to the airline. 
    SAA is an airline of global reach and a strong brand, with presence and operations in all continents. Its suppliers, partners and customers are in various markets across the world and are sensitive to any sentiments that may cast doubt about the future of the airline. 
    There is every resolve to address long-standing legacy issues, to improve the performance of the business, to regain its market share and to provide its customers continued and improved service. 
    -ends- 

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
    SAA Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    SAA General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Caption of ribbon cutting (left to right): Lusanda Jiya SAA GM Group Corporate Affairs, Dr Mebelo Muyapekwa Principal Standards Officer: Ministry of Education Zambia, Sameer Adam Director: Sales Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, Mr Olengcy Malumbe Headmaster: Shungu Namutitima Primary and Secondary School and Sam Munda Sales Director SITA.

    South African Airways Livingstone Computer Handover

    SAA Donates Fully Equipped Computer Lab to Livingstone School to further STEM Learning Opportunities

    LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – 12 October 2018:  South African Airways (SAA) has donated 15 computers to Shungu Namutitima Primary and Secondary School in Livingstone, Zambia yesterday.  SAA partnered with Bombardier, a multinational aerospace and transportation company, to present the school with the much-needed computer laboratory. 

    The school in Zambia consists of 1, 222 learners all ranging between grades 1 and 12.  The computer laboratory was presented fully equipped with computers, modems, an internet connection, as well as training for the teachers on duty at the laboratory.

    “Nelson Mandela once said that ‘education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world’. In carrying Madiba’s legacy in this, the centenary year honouring his life, we are fostering and encouraging education and knowledge through technology, and believe that donating a computer lab to the school was the best choice for knowledge and skills transfer,” said Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.    

    The initiative formed part of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa’s (AASA) 48th Annual General Assembly, which focusses on customer service. 

    The assembly, which takes place at the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, also in Livingstone, Zambia, from 11 to 14 October, attracted around 300 delegates, and comprised leading airline industry executives and government policy makers from Southern Africa’s airlines, airports, air navigation services, regulatory bodies, as well as aircraft and engine manufacturers, ground handling service providers, and associated businesses.

    SAA has been flying the Livingstone, Zambia route since 2005, and was the host airline of this year’s AASA General Assembly.

    -ends- 

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 

    About Bombardier

    With over 69, 500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.
    Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier..

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Bombardier
    Nathalie Scott
    Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
    Office: +1 416-375-3030 
    Email: Nathalie.Scott@aero.bombardier.com 
    Website: www.bombardier.com

    SAA Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    SAA General Enquiries:
    Switchboard:
     +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • DURBAN, 8 October 2018: South African Airways’ (SAA) In-flight Magazine Sawubona has for the fourth year in a row, won the award for ‘Africa’s Leading In-Flight Magazine’ at the World Travel Awards™ Gala Dinner, held at the Durban International Convention Centre. 
    Voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, the World Travel Awards™ serve as an accolade to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry, including in-flight entertainment.  

    Sawubona is the airline’s multi-award winning in-flight magazine, packed to the brim with inspirational and vibrant travel, business and lifestyle content to keep travellers entertained while they take to the skies. The magazine, which is distributed on all of SAA’s flights, domestic, regional and international, has a large circulation of almost 70 000 and an estimated reach of 700 000 as well as an online presence. 

    “This World Travel Award and every other service excellence award SAA receives, serve as a significant motivation for employees to keep doing their best to stand out. They are a source of encouragement, reminding us to keep on the lookout for ways to improve the travel experience of the millions of customers who choose to fly with SAA. We are proud of the Sawubona team and are delighted that the hard work they put into the magazine has been acknowledged.

    “We extend our sincere gratitude to our outgoing publishers, Ndalo Media, for their sterling contribution and partnership throughout the past five years, which led Sawubona to become an award-winning inflight magazine with compelling content,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson. 
    Mikateko Media (Pty) Ltd are the new publishers who have taken over and their first edition went out in October 2018. This is after the conclusion of a tender process earlier this year. 
    Read the October edition by clicking on this link - http://saasawubona.com/.


    -ends-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 


    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson


    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa 

  • JOHANNESBURG. 04 October 2018. South African Airways (SAA) today announced the appointment of Mr. Deon Fredericks from Telkom as SAA’s new Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

    The appointment is effective from 15 October 2018 and he is on secondment from Telkom for a 12-month period.

    “We welcome the appointment of Mr. Fredericks to ensure that SAA’s strategic objective of transforming the business into a financially sustainable aviation group is achieved,” said Mr. JB Magwaza, Chairperson SAA Board of Directors.

    Mr. Fredericks is currently Telkom’s Chief Investment Officer, and was previously Chief Financial Officer from September 2014 to July 2018. A Chartered Accountant, CA (SA), a CIMA-qualified Chartered Global Management Accountant with an honours degree in Accounting and Business Management, Mr. Fredericks has over 30 years’ experience working in blue-chip organizations.

    Mr. Fredericks takes over from Mr. Robert (Bob) Head whose contract as SAA Interim CFO ended on 30 September. 

    “We would like to thank Bob for his contribution during a difficult time for the airline and wish him well in his future endeavours,” said Mr. Magwaza.

    SAA will, in the ensuing twelve-month period, initiate and finalize the recruitment process for the appointment of its permanent CFO.

    -Ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Rolls-Royce and South African Airways Technical today celebrated the opening of Rolls-Royce’s first lease engine storage facility in Africa, further developing its global service support network to deliver improved aircraft availability.
     
    The event was supported and attended by the United Kingdom’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Emma Wade-Smith OBE and Ms Thandi Phele, the Acting Deputy Director General at the South African Department of Trade and Industry responsible for industrial development.  
     
    The facility, based in the SAAT site at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, the busiest airport in Africa, is capable of storing a full range of Rolls-Royce engine types to meet the requirements of airline and business jet customers based or operating in Africa.  It can house every type of Trent engine, including the Trent 7000 which will soon power the Airbus A330neo into service.  
     
    Rolls-Royce is providing technical training to SAAT staff to enable them to conduct work on engines in storage. The shared vision is that SAAT mechanics will in time be capable of performing a range of inspection and on-wing services to Rolls-Royce customers in Africa.  
     
    Kevin Evans, Rolls-Royce, Vice President Customers Africa, said: “The opening of this facility marks the start of a journey that will see SAAT play an expanding role in our development of availability services across Africa as it increases its capability. We have worked closely with South African Airways for a number of years, and we are delighted to be working with them on this initiative.”
     
    Wellington Nyuswa, SAAT CEO (Acting), said: “This agreement enables us to demonstrate our capabilities to Rolls-Royce, with whom we’ve had a long-standing relationship as well as to other outside parties. It dovetails with our strategy to seek further revenue generating opportunities, and will enable our vision to be Africa’s leading world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul company.”
     
    Thandi Phele, the Acting Deputy Director General of the South African Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), said: "The dti, through its agreement with Rolls-Royce in the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP), has forged a partnership that will yield mutual benefits over the next few years. The NIPP, as a lever of government procurement is a policy aimed at leveraging opportunities to develop industrial capabilities that will drive industrialisation towards the fulfilment of job creation and economic growth. In terms of this project South African Airways Technical (SAAT) will acquire critical technical training from Rolls-Royce that will enable them to support Rolls-Royce customers. We believe that SAAT is perfectly positioned to be able to do that, and we look forward to a long and lasting relationship with Rolls-Royce." 
     
    The facility is authorised to store engines covering all the needs of Rolls-Royce’s African customers: AE3007; Tay; BR710; BR715; RB211-524; RB211-535; Trent 500; Trent 700; Trent 800; Trent 900; Trent 1000; Trent XWB and Trent 7000.
     
    About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
     
    1. Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest and most competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
     
    2. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 4,000 marine customers including 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
     
    3. Annual underlying revenue was £15 billion in 2017, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services. The firm and announced order book stood at £78.5 billion at the end of December 2017.
     
    4. In 2017, Rolls-Royce invested £1.4 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 31 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.
     
    5. Rolls-Royce employs almost 55,000 people in 50 countries. Approximately 19,400 of these are engineers.
     
    6. The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills. In 2017 we recruited 313 graduates and 339 apprentices through our worldwide training programmes.
     
     
    For further information, please contact:
     
    Lydia-Claire Halliday
    LCH Consultancy
    Tel: +254 (0)708000510
    lydia@lchconsultancy.com
     
    Oliver Walker-Jones 
    Head of Communications – Civil Aerospace 
    Rolls-Royce plc
    Tel +44 (0)7584 601195 
    oliver.walker-jones@rolls-royce.com
     
    www.Rolls-Royce.com
  • JOHANNESBURG. 26 September 2018.  South African Airways (SAA) is on track with its turnaround strategy with quarter one results showing that the company is ahead of the plan in its trading performance.

    We have always maintained that it will take us until 2021 to break even. This means that our costs will remain higher than our revenue until we reach the breakeven point. We continue to implement initiatives to drive costs down and improve revenue as part of the turnaround strategy. The quarter one results, reflect the Board and management’s commitment to turn the airline around despite the challenges.

    The company currently has access to financial facilities to support its working capital requirements. The Board and the shareholder are working around the clock to find a lasting financial solution to the company’s capital requirements.

    SAA continues to honour its obligations to all its travelling customers, suppliers and other creditors and will not file for bankruptcy. The company’s airline operations remain solid with its On-Time Performance ranking well amongst its peers. Quarter one results show material improvement in the trading performance of the company with some of the routes delivering positive gross profit margins for the first time in more than a decade, proof that the initiatives implemented are beginning to yield results.

    The airline has made some headway in the implementation of its turnaround plan to transform SAA into a commercially viable entity, which must have the ability to sustain itself financially and remain competitive operationally. 

    At a recently held Board strategy session on 11 – 12 September 2018, the executive management presented to the Board a comprehensive strategy update reflecting on the present-day strategy execution achievements and challenges as well as the road map and options for the outlook of the business. No decisions have been taken to dispose of any SAA entities or assets at this stage. Options were merely presented to the Board for consideration.

    The full and meaningful implementation of the turnaround plan, which for the first time has been fully costed, will depend on the realisation of certain enablers. These include meeting the funding requirements of R21.7 billion over a three-year implementation cycle, aggressively containing costs through smart procurement and optimal organisation design, SAA Technical (SAAT) transformation to bring more efficiencies as well as revenue optimisation and network rationalisation.

    Since the implementation of one of the key initiatives on revenue optimisation and network rationalisation, SAA has seen encouraging positive financial performance for Quarter one of this financial year. These results are borne out of network changes and capacity redistribution SAA implemented earlier this year in its route network.

    The shareholder is aware of the funding requirements and the matter is currently under consideration. There are ongoing engagements with the lenders who in 2017 agreed to grant SAA conditional extension on its maturing loans, which are now due in March 2019. In April 2018 the lenders extended a R5 billion bridge facility to SAA.

    We remain focused on implementing the turnaround plan and we are seeing positive results.

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 21 September 2018.  South African Airways (SAA) in partnership with SA Tourism (SAT) have once again put together some amazing Sho’t Left flight and travel deals to ensure South Africans have the opportunity to explore their beautiful country. 

    From 24 - 30 September local travellers will have access to a number of reduced SAA flights, for travel until 31 January 2019, and accommodation and tour packages to various popular destinations across the country as part of SAT’s Sho’t Left Travel Week.

    “The Sho’t Left flight and travel deals will do much to encourage those that have always wanted to explore the beauty and cultural heritage of the country to do just that.

    “SAA together with SA Tourism want to make local travel accessible to everyone during September, being both Heritage and Tourism Month. While many don’t consider travel at this time of year, going forward we hope to instil a culture of travel among South Africans in celebration of the scenic splendour, diverse culture and rich heritage of our incredible country and nation,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA spokesperson.

    CEO SA Tourism, Sisa Nthona says: “Our aim is to target all South Africans and their families who want to see more of the country. We also hope to make people realise that tourism isn’t just for overseas visitors and that local travel is a lot easier and more affordable than many people think.”

    The SAA flights and other offerings have been specifically designed to ensure there is something to suit every taste.
    “The holiday packages provide affordable SAA flights to nearly all major local cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth, with all package deals having been categorised by province, destination type, or getaway to allow South Africans to book their ideal break. 

    “For those seeking to explore Durban, it’s the perfect opportunity to fly to and experience the city’s buzzing nightlife. Watch the sunset over the ocean with a cocktail in hand before enjoying dinner at one of the many restaurants on the Florida Road stretch. The more energetic can also dance the night away in one of the city’s top night clubs. 

    “Alternatively, those looking for a bit more of a seaside adventure can book return SAA flights, and then opt for one of the many popular daytime activities available such as a boat cruise, riksha bus tour, a visit to Ushaka Marine, or a trip in the Moses Mabhida sky car. All in all, there truly is something for everyone this Heritage and Tourism Month with all flights and holiday deals on offer at reduced rates.

    “Ultimately domestic tourism is the main source of revenue for every tourism industry around the world, and going forward we are hoping Sho’t Left Travel Week will bring about an ever-increasing influx of South Africans travelling purely for leisure,” concludes Tlali.

    To view and book the travel deals on offer go to www.flysaa.com.
    -ends- 


    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
     
     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 17 September 2018. South African Airways (SAA) resumes flights between Johannesburg and Hong Kong following Typhoon Mangkhut.

    “Following the receipt of weather update and forecast from the authorities in Hong Kong, SAA is satisfied that the conditions are now within the airline’s operating limits to resume flights.  This follows the suspension of flights between the two destinations in the last three days. The typhoon has now passed through Hong Kong, which clears the airspace for us to resume operations.

    “To ensure that we assist all customers affected by the cancellation of our flights, we have deployed a bigger aircraft to operate over the next two days. As recovery operations continue in Hong Kong, we urge our customers to take note that ground services at the airport in Hong Kong as well as public transportation may still be affected,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.

    Assistance will be provided to all ticketed customers holding a South African Airways ticket (only) via any SAA Call Centre, City Travel Office or your own Travel Agent.

    South African Airways Contact Centre details

    South Africa

    •    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606

    Rebooking Conditions

    •    For SAA tickets issued on/before 17 September 2018
    •    Rebook onto another South African Airways flight for a later date at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same cabin
    •    Change of cabin will not be permitted
    •    Change of routing will not be permitted
    •    This policy is applicable to South African Airways flights only, issued on SA (083) ticket stock and not on separate tickets of other airlines
    •    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 20 September 2018
    •    Travel must commence on/before 25 September  2018
    •    No waiver on cancellation and refund applications
    “South African Airways regrets any inconvenience to our customers as a result of the adverse weather conditions.
    “We thank you for your patience and cooperation whilst we work on getting all our customers to their destinations safely,” concludes Tlali.
    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 14 September 2018. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline has cancelled flights to Hong Kong due to adverse weather conditions.
     
    The cancelled flights are:
     
    SA286 15 September 2018 | Johannesburg to Hong Kong  
    SA287 16 September 2018 | Hong Kong to Johannesburg
    SA286 16 September | Johannesburg to Hong Kong
    SA287 17 September |Hong Kong to Johannesburg
     
    “We apologise for these cancellations, which were caused by circumstances beyond our control. 
     
    “SAA has been working closely with the weather services in Hong Kong, closely monitoring the trajectory of the typhoon and the timing of the potential impact,” says Tlali Tlali SAA Spokesperson.
     
    SAA will continue to monitor the weather conditions and will advise customers accordingly.
     
    Assistance will be provided to all ticketed customers holding a South African Airways ticket (only) via any SAA Call Centre, City Travel Office or your own Travel Agent. Our Contact Centre would be attempting to reach customers telephonically and/or by email. Affected customers are also encouraged to make contact with SAA to enable us to provide you with the best assistance regarding changes to your itinerary. 
    Contact details 
     
    South African Airways Contact Centre details 
     
    South Africa 
     
    Johannesburg | +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     
    Rebooking Conditions
     
    For SAA tickets issued on/before 14 September 2018
    Rebook onto another SAA flight for a later date at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same cabin
    Change of cabin will not be permitted
    Change of routing will not be permitted
    This policy is applicable to SAA flights only, issued on SA (083) ticket stock and not on separate tickets of other airlines 
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 20 September 2018
    Travel must commence on/before 25 September  2018
    No waiver on cancellation and refund applications
    We encourage customers to visit our website www.flysaa.com for all flight updates and or flight cancellations.
    -ends-
     
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
     
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa 
  • JOHANNESBURG. 12 September 2018. Leading carrier in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, South African Airways (SAA), is excited to announce a brand new partnership for SAA Voyager, Africa’s most popular frequent flyer loyalty programme with NetFlorist, South Africa’s largest floral gifting service. 

    Voyager members will now be able to use their SAA Voyager Miles to pay for that next bunch of flowers, quirky personalised gift or box of chocolates off the e-commerce platform. In addition to this, the first five SAA Voyager members who spend their miles at NetFlorist, will each win a R500 gift voucher to spend on their next NetFlorist purchase.

    With Spring officially here, know that, for as little as 5 000 Voyager miles (equivalent to R200), members can surprise loved ones with flower arrangements, bespoke jewellery, scrumptious hampers, personalised gifts including gowns and wine, or even cupcake treats from the NetFlorist Bakery.

    “We welcome NetFlorist as a Voyager partner. We continue to look for opportunities that will bring more value to our customers and improve on our offering,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.


    SAA Voyager is Africa’s first revenue based airline loyalty programme, which offers members miles based on the ticket price purchased, rather than the distance travelled. The programme also allows members to spend miles on any available ticket price for flights operated by SAA. With more than 67 partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network, the programme gives members access to more than 1 300 destinations in 190 countries. 

    Everybody loves to travel and appreciates a surprise gift, especially when it comes from NetFlorist’s massive collection - so there is all the reason to join and share the love. Voyager members earn one Voyager Mile for every R1.60 spent on any SAA operated flight, so the only thing left to do is plan what to spend those miles on next!  With SAA Voyager, your currency is miles and your rewards, exceptional. 

    Not a SAA Voyager member yet, but want to register? Contact the SAA Voyager Call Centre on 011 978 1234 or email: voyager@flysaa.com. Programme specific terms and conditions can be found on www.flysaa.com. SAA Voyager - Forever part of your journey. 

    -Ends-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 

    About SAA Voyager
    South African Airways (SAA) Voyager is a loyalty programme owned by SAA (SOC) Limited and serves as the frequent flyer programmes for: SAA, SA Express (SOC) Limited, and Airlink Proprietary Limited. Mango (SOC) Limited, SAA’s wholly owned low cost carrier, is a high customer value ranked redemption partner of the programme.

    Launched during 1994, the programme offers its more than 1 million members the opportunity to earn and spend Miles (the programme’s reward currency) from 67 programme partners. The programme boasts more than 35 airline partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network which gives members access to more than 1 300 destinations in 190 countries.

    SAA Voyager is the first revenue-based Frequent Flyer Programme on the African continent. All SAA Voyager members worldwide earn Miles for travel on flights operated by SAA, now based on the ticket price (base fare and carrier-imposed fees) rather than the distance travelled. Under the SAA exclusive earning structure, all members receive one (1) SAA Voyager Mile per ZAR 1.60 spent and the accumulation of Miles under this earning structure, counts towards Tier status. SAA Voyager furthermore offers a dual approach for flight redemptions: revenue-based (Dynamic Awards) as well as the classical flat-rate mileage (Star Alliance, FFP Alliance Airlines, Upgrade and JourneyBlitz) Awards.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
     

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 5 September 2018. South African Airways (SAA) has increased frequency to Luanda, Angola, creating a seamless travel experience for customers travelling to various destinations on the SAA network on all continents. SAA’s African  and Asian destinations in particular will have an increased connectivity allowing for seamless travel.

    The two extra weekly flights will commence with effect from 9 September 2018, bringing SAA’s total weekly operations between Johannesburg and Luanda to four flights per week.

    SAA has been operating to Luanda for more than 30 years, making it one of the leading airlines in Angola. The route is very popular with not only Angolans, but with most of the guests travelling from and to Luanda and then connecting on SAA’s route network to various destinations such as Sao Paulo, Hong Kong, New York, Washington and the entire Southern African Development Community. SAA operates to all the major cities such as Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek, Harare, Mauritius, Lilongwe and Blantyre.

    Nairobi, Entebbe and Dar Es Salaam also feature prominently on the travel itineraries of our guests on this route.
    Both narrow and wide body aircraft (A330-200, A330-300 and A320) operate on this route. The additional frequencies that take effect from 9 September will be operated with the A320 two class configured aircraft.

    “As part of our Africa growth strategy, we are enhancing our footprint on the continent by expanding our route network to enable seamless connections for our customers. We are especially pleased to offer our customers from Angola more travel options to connect them to the world through Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. East and Southern Africa, and the rest of the continent and the world are easily within reach,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.

    SAA remains committed to living up to the promise of “Bringing the World to Africa. And taking Africa to the World.”

    SAA’s Network Development Plan is aligned to the Alliance Strategy by strengthening its position in sub-Saharan Africa through forming new partnerships. SAA customers can also fly with TAAG Angola Airlines, as the two carriers code share between Johannesburg and Luanda as well as Cape Town and Luanda.

    TAAG Angola Airlines code-shares with SAA on its direct services between Johannesburg and Luanda, including destinations such Harare and Lusaka on the South African Airways network.
    -ends-

    Current flight schedule

      Days of the week Departs Johannesburg Arrives Luanda
    SA054   09:45 12:25
        Departs Luanda Arrives Johannesburg
    SA055   13:25 17.45

     

    The two added flights will operate as follows: 9 September – 27 October 2018 OK

      Days of the week Departs Johannesburg Arrives Luanda
    SA094 Wednesday, Sunday 23:55 02:35
        Departs Luanda Arrives Johannesburg
    SA095 Monday, Thursday 03:55 08:15

     

    Added flight schedule 28 October 2018 – 30 March 2019 OK

      Days of the week Departs Johannesburg Arrives Luanda
    SA094 Wednesday, Sunday 23:55 02:25
        Departs Luanda Arrives Johannesburg
    SA095 Monday, Thursday 03:55 08:15

     

    Added flight schedule 31 March 2019 – 26 October 2019 OK

      Days of the week Departs Johannesburg Arrives Luanda
    SA094 Wednesday, Sunday 23:55 02:35
        Departs Luanda Arrives Johannesburg
    SA095 Monday, Thursday 03:55 08:15

     

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    EmailTlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Websitewww.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     
     

  • Book by September 30, 2018 for Complimentary Upgrades to Elegant Five- Star Accommodations at the Taj Cape Town and Becks Safari Lodge


    Fort Lauderdale, FL (August 28, 2018) – South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®), the leisure division of South African Airways, has announced complimentary luxury upgrades to five-star accommodations in Cape Town and in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve for travelers who book the “Best of South Africa” package by September 30, 2018. Starting at $4,499* per person, the “Best of South Africa” package upgrade special includes five-star accommodations in Cape Town at the Taj Cape Town located in the heart of the “Mother City” and the exclusive Becks Safari Lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve. In addition to accommodations, the “Best of South Africa” package includes roundtrip air transportation from New York-JFK Airport or Washington-Dulles on South African Airways, airport transfers in South Africa, a Cape Peninsula tour, Winelands tour, safari activities and airport meet and greet services by a SAA Vacations representative.


    The Taj Cape Town is a luxury hotel perfectly situated city center and conveniently located to trendy shops, restaurants and exciting nightlife in the “Mother City”. The hotel boasts 176 rooms, each individually appointed with classical furnishings, flat-screen televisions and marble bathrooms with rain showers and an oversized bathtub. Guests will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, spa access, and free shuttles to Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred waterfront.


    Becks Safari Lodge combines luxurious living with innovative design nestled within the South African bushveld. Each air-conditioned safari suite boasts views of either the Makhutswi River or a popular waterhole, providing excellent game viewing. Amenities include private verandahs, premium bedding, coffee and tea facilities, and an infinity pool. Daily game drives in open safari vehicles provide the perfect opportunity to view South Africa’s “Big 5” followed by evening sundowners while watching the sunset over the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.


    SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS VACATIONS® ANNOUNCES FREE FIVE STAR LUXURY UPGRADES ON “BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA” PACKAGE
    PAGE 2
    “Our Best of South Africa package is one of our most popular vacation experiences,” said Terry von Guilleaume, president of South African Airways Vacations®. “It includes Cape Town, a Winelands tour and a safari adventure to view Africa’s Big Five wildlife, making it the ideal introduction to South Africa. We are enhancing this package now by offering a free upgrade to 5-star accommodations if booked by the end of September.”


    The package details are:
    “The Best of South Africa” Upgrade Promotion– from $4,499*
     Roundtrip international economy class air transportation from New York-JFK Airport or Washington Dulles to Cape Town on South African Airways
     4-nights’ accommodation at the five-star Taj Cape Town, including breakfast
     3-nights’ accommodation at the five-star Becks Safari Lodge, including all meals
     Daily breakfast in Cape Town
     Full day Cape Peninsula tour
     Cape Winelands tour
     Twice daily safari game drives
     Airport transfers in South Africa with meet and greet by South African Airways Vacations’ representative upon arrival in South Africa


    This five-star upgrade is available for new reservations made by September 30, 2018. To take advantage of the complimentary upgrade, travelers should contact their professional travel consultant or call 1-855-359-7228. South African Airways Vacations® offers vacation options for all budgets, with African Specialists on hand to ensure clients experience the vacation of their dreams. For a complete overview of air-inclusive vacation packages to other destinations throughout Africa, visit www.flysaavacations.com.


    About South African Airways Vacations®

    A division of South African Airways (SAA), South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®) is highly regarded for its wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa and uses SAA’s extensive route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana and the Indian Ocean Islands. Offering more than 80 air-inclusive packages, which range from value to superb luxury. Our specialty-themed programs offer unique


    SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS VACATIONS® ANNOUNCES FREE FIVE STAR LUXURY UPGRADES ON “BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA” PACKAGE
    PAGE 3

    experiences, whether you are interested in safaris, culture, cuisine, romance and adventure. The program is managed and fulfilled by DSA Vacations, founded in 2001, and offers an extensive portfolio of tour programs with a variety of hotels, game lodges, and safari companies throughout Southern Africa.


    About South African Airways
    South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-star rating for 16consecutive years.
    Like South African Airways Vacations on Facebook here Follow South African Airways Vacations on Twitter here.
    Like South African Airways on Facebook here. Follow South African Airways on Twitter here.


    Contact:
    Todd Neuman

    South African Airways
    Phone: 954-769-5001
    Email: toddneuman@flysaa.com


    Terry von Guilleaume
    South African Airways Vacations
    Phone: 520-882-3600
    Email: terry@flysaavacations.com


    *Terms & Conditions -
    Price is per person based on double occupancy and economy class flights. Valid as of August 28, 2018 for departures from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) between Aug 29– Dec 09, 2018 and Apr 01 – 18, 2019 and Apr 24 – May 31, 2019 and also Aug 11 – 31, 2019 with the same itinerary available at higher prices during other travel periods. Other departure points and domestic flights within the U.S. can be booked. Price for other departure cities and/or travel dates may vary. Subject to availability and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are valid for new bookings only, are not retroactive and may change without notice. Package includes all government and airline imposed taxes and fees. Baggage and optional service fees, cancellation charges and other restrictions may apply.

     

     

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 19 August 2018. South African Airways (SAA) this week launched one of its flagship initiatives to promote communication between management and its employees.

    The App, which is innovative and the first of its kind in the history of the airline, can be downloaded on mobile devices. It will enable employees to interact with the chief executive officer, Mr Vuyani Jarana, and management in a more direct and secure manner. The App can be downloaded on company-issued mobile devices as well as on personal devices to those employees who have access to computers only.

    “We are pleased that the App has been launched and this will serve as one of the many communication platforms we have at SAA to enable all employees to have more access to management and information in real time. The intention here is to enable communication through as many channels as possible for employees to use what is convenient to them. In addition, we seek to promote and not prevent access to information,” said SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

    “We are astounded by bizarre claims that the airline has taken steps to prevent its employees from accessing negative stories about the company using its equipment (company issued mobile devices and computers). This is not only untrue, but also impossible to implement at SAA. We are not aware that any such advanced technology exists and we do not even have any such provision in our Information Technology (IT), Human Resources or Communication policies.”

    SAA staff has access to all web news sites at all times. They can also access social media outside of core working hours with many exceptions where this is required to fulfil daily roles and requirements.

    The airline has no record of having communicated any such decision or taking steps to block employee access to content (any media reports).

    “We have put measures in place to limit unfettered access to some of the social media sites on SAA IT platforms as we continue to look for ways of reducing costs and to enhance productivity. In our view, this is a sensible thing to do,” explained Tlali.

    Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) led by its chairperson, Mr Themba Godi, spent three days at SAA this week as part of the committee's oversight responsibilities. During their visit, the committee conducted inspections at various areas at SAA including its subsidiaries, AirChefs and SAAT. During that time, the committee interacted with employees, management, executives and the Board.

    On the last day of the visit at SAA, the committee held a meeting with both the executive team and the Board where the committee raised a number of issues with the airline's leadership. Matters raised with the company ranged from governance, strategy, solvency and liquidity as well as appointments and allegations of theft and corruption.

    At no stage did the committee raise concerns that SAA employees complained about information clamp down within the company. If such unsubstantiated claims were made, we believe they must be rejected as they have no basis in fact and cannot be sustained by any credible evidence. These claims sought to create confusion, hurt the SAA brand and mislead members of SCOPA and the public at large.

    Despite negative media coverage the airline has endured over time, SAA believes the introduction of any such measures as claimed in the media, would be counterproductive, absurd and ineffective in a digital age and information era where access to information must be promoted and not prevented.

    “SAA communicates openly and regularly with employees on important matters relating to the company. Employees have the opportunity to raise their concerns at regular face-face engagement sessions and through various forums,” concluded Tlali.

    The airline remains available to clarify to members of SCOPA regarding any miscommunication that may have created the misunderstanding.

    -Ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:


    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
     
     

     

  • LONDON, U.K. – July 20, 2018 – Star Alliance has claimed the Best Airline Alliance title at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for the third year running, with the Alliance’s prestigious Los Angeles Lounge retaining the Best Airline Alliance Lounge Award for the fourth year in a row.

    “Receiving the Best Alliance accolade from Skytrax for a third consecutive time is a significant achievement. It recognises our focus on improving the customer journey and providing a better digital alliance travel experience”, said Jeffrey Goh, CEO Star Alliance. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our more than 700 million annual passengers for their continued loyalty to our 28 member airline network and acknowledge the work and professionalism of the more than 420,000 member airline employees, who deliver the alliance travel experience on a daily basis”.

    The base of its digital transformation is the Star Alliance Digital Services Platform (DSP), which was launched earlier this year. It is the first step to an overall enhancement of digital and mobile services offered to customers travelling across the network. The DSP can connect digital services of one member airline or third-party and make it available to all members, enabling them to build it into their own customer-facing digital applications. The longer-term aim is to allow customers to use any member airline’s website or mobile application to obtain all the information they need for travel on several Star Alliance member airlines.

    Through DSP, United Airlines currently offers advance seat reservations on Singapore Airlines flights and Lufthansa provides baggage tracking information on journeys which include flights on other Star Alliance airlines. Additional features will be made available across the Alliance progressively.

    The World Airline Awards were introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that was truly global. Travellers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to decide the award winners.

    Star Alliance was the first airline alliance to receive the Best Alliance Award from Skytrax when the category was first introduced in 2005 and has since held the award nine times.

    Over 100 customer nationalities participated in the latest survey with 20.36 million eligible entries counted in the results. 335 airlines are featured in the survey results.

    Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "Star Alliance can be very proud of its continued popularity and support amongst its frequent flyer members. The flagship lounge in Los Angeles continues to be a favourite amongst survey respondents”.

    The online survey operated from August 2017 to May 2018, together with invitations sent to previous year respondents in the survey database (total 24.45 million customers).  Customer survey forms were offered in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. The highest nationality increase in the 2018 survey was Chinese customers with an additional 3.5 million entries.

    In total, 17 Star Alliance member carriers also received a combination of 49 individual and regional awards, with the following five carriers ranked in the top 10 in the Best Airline Category: Singapore Airlines (1), ANA (3), EVA Air (5), Lufthansa (7) and THAI (10).

    As selection of the awards are listed below with a full list available at:
    https://www.worldairlineawards.com/a-z-airline-awards-winners-2018/

    Aegean Airlines              Best Regional Airline in Europe
                                         Best Cabin Crew in Southern Europe


    Air Canada                     Best Airline in North America
                                         Best Business Class in North America
                                         Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in North America


    Air New Zealand              Best Premium Economy Class
                                          Best Premium Economy Seat
                                          Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Australia / Pacific


    ANA                               World's Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness
                                          Best Airline Staff in Asia
                                          Best Cabin Crew in Japan


    Asiana                            Best Cabin Crew in South Korea

     
    Austrian Airlines              Best Airline Service Staff in Europe
                                          Best Business Class Onboard Catering  


    Avianca                           Best Airline in South America
                                          Best Economy Class in South America


    COPA Airlines                Best Airline in Central America / Caribbean
                                         Best Airline Staff in Central America / Caribbean


    Ethiopian Airlines           Best Airline in Africa
                                        Best Business Class in Africa
                                        Best Economy Class in Africa


    EVA Air                        World’s Best Airport Services


    Lufthansa                     Best Airline in Europe
                                       Best Airline in Western Europe


    Singapore Airlines        World’s Best Airline
                                      World’s Best First Class
                                      Best Airline in Asia
                                      Best First Class Seat
                                      Best First Class Lounge in Asia
                                      Best Business Class Lounge in Asia
                                      Best First Class in Asia
                                      Best Business Class in Asia
                                      Best Premium Economy Class in Asia


    South African Airways  Best Airline Staff in Africa
                                      Best Business Class Lounge in Africa
                                      Best Cabin Crew in Africa
                                      Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Africa


    THAI                            World's Best Economy Class
                                       Best Economy Class Onboard Catering
                                       World’s Best Airline Lounge Spa
                                       Best Cabin Crew in Thailand
                                       Best Economy Class in Asia


    Turkish Airlines             Best Airline in Southern Europe
                                       Best Business Class Lounge
                                       Best Business Class Lounge Dining


    United Airlines             Best Business Class Lounge in the USA

    About Star Alliance:

    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,800 daily flights to 1,317 airports in 193 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.


    Further information can be obtained via:

    Star Alliance Press Office
    Tel: +49 69 96375 183
    Fax: +49 69 96375 683
    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com
    www.staralliance.com
    Twitter @staralliance https://twitter.com/staralliance
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/staralliance
    LinkedIn:       https://www.linkedin.com/company/star-alliance
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staralliancenetwork
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/staralliance/

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 18 July 2018. South African Airways (SAA) continues to set the bar in customer service by winning once again the ‘Best Airline Staff in Africa’ award at the annual World Airline Awards hosted by Skytrax, the Oscars of the aviation industry, held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in London.

    In SAA’s sixth triumph, this award recognises service excellence covering a spectrum of front-line customer service touch points; highlighting SAA’s rating as offering the best service in terms of airport staff and onboard experience. The awards rate customer satisfaction across staff service efficiency, friendliness, hospitality, language skills and overall quality consistency across front-line staff.

    Under the category ‘Best Airline Staff in Africa’ SAA also won for Best Business Class Lounge in Africa, Best Cabin Crew in Africa, and Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Africa.

    Mango Airlines secured the Best Low-Cost Carrier in Africa carrier top spot for the third time at this year’s prestigious awards.

    SAA also retained its 4-Star rating for the 16th year, a seal of quality approval awarded to airlines supplying good quality performance across a range of rating criteria.

    According to Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted, “The South African Airways brand of service continues to delight customers across their network. This award, which is voted for by SAA passengers, is excellent recognition for the dedicated frontline staff.”  

    “We’re exceptionally pleased to be rated as having the Best Airline Staff in Africa for the sixth time, this speaks to our level of consistency with regards to service excellence throughout our customers travel journey. It’s a significant pat on the back for us to see our employees’ hard work being recognised on such a global scale, particularly in light of strong competition from other African Airlines,” says SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali.

    “Our customers have very high expectations and the ability for SAA to constantly meet those is phenomenal. We continue to enhance our consumer experience under the current turnaround strategy to ensure that expectations are not only met but are exceeded on every flight,” concludes Tlali.

    The World Airline Awards, now in their 18th consecutive year, are the epitome of excellence in the aviation industry and illustrate a vote of confidence from millions of global travellers annually. Through a consumer survey, travellers have the opportunity to rate their experience over a 10-month period in-flight and on the ground, allowing them to make their own personal choice regarding which airline they consider the best across a range of categories.

    South African Airways is undergoing a major turnaround strategy which will see an improved customer experience shift over the next few years, seeing the business make critical changes to bring it back to profitability and continue to showcase best in class service and on-time rankings. One of the key focus areas is centred on fostering excellent customer relationships that ensure the airline exceeds customer experience expectations.

    -Ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 18 July 2018. This year marks a significant date in South African history as it celebrates the centenary year of one of our country's celebrated leaders, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Joining in on the tributes is Africa’s leading carrier, South African Airways (SAA), proudly announcing its support of centenary celebrations of our humble former President.

    To mark this milestone, SAA has introduced special initiatives to honour Madiba, in keeping with the worldwide centenary campaign by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SA Tourism, and to celebrate what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday. SAA has branded three aircraft within its fleet - an Airbus A320-200, A330-300, and an A340-600, with its own specially designed logo, as well as the official ‘Be the Legacy’ logo in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s contribution to humanity and as a sign of respect for the late President and philanthropist.  

    Over the coming months, headrest covers and special edition paper cups inside the planes will inspire travellers to contemplate and reflect on Madiba’s legacy and carry these with them to their next destination. SAA’s in-flight entertainment will also be reflective of the Nelson Mandela Centenary, and travellers are encouraged to watch the movie, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and the sports documentary – Mandela’s World Cup, on SAA’s international flights.

    SAA’s support of the Centenary, which runs for the entire year, will culminate in a surprise element later in the year, which promises to carry further the Nelson Mandela legacy across the airline’s route network.  
    “As an African carrier with global reach, it is only natural for SAA to celebrate what would have been Tata’s 100th birthday, by sharing his values with South Africans and people around the world. We hope that through these small gestures we can inspire others to strive for his ideals and continue his legacy,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.

    Customers who are members of SAA’s frequent flyer programme, Voyager, will also be given the chance to give back, by voluntarily donating some of their Voyager Miles to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. In addition, Voyager customers flying today, Wednesday, 18 July will earn an extra 100 Voyager Miles per sector when flying on SAA-operated flights only.

    “We hope these gestures show our gratitude and recognise his selfless contribution towards the freedom and democracy we enjoy today,” concludes Tlali.

    Finally, as Madiba’s smiling face appears on the July 2018 cover of Sawubona, SAA’s in-flight magazine, articles within urge passengers to visit some of the must-see historic Mandela sites across the country. These include the 100 landmarks that shaped Nelson Mandela’s journey.

    South Africa continues to honour the man who touched the world, and South African Airways invites you to engage with his remarkable legacy.

    -Ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.
     
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 8 June 2018. South African Airways (SAA) has added capacity to the Eastern Cape for business travellers between East London and Johannesburg.
    SAA currently operates 24 flights per week between Johannesburg and East London, with a double daily service (except on Mondays and Saturdays). Effective Sunday 10 June 2018 the airline has added additional flights on three days of the week, increasing the service to 30 flights per week.
    SAA has scheduled the additional flights to cater specifically for the business traveller wanting to travel in time for meetings and who require additional flexibility for return flights.
    “Adding these early departures out of East London and late returns from Johannesburg is an ideal way for business travellers from the coastal city to be in Johannesburg early morning to conclude their business and return the same day,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA spokesperson.
    The additional flights are:
    •    SA472 departs on Mondays, and Thursdays, from East London at 06h30 to arrive in Johannesburg at 07h55 and at 08h00 on Saturdays to arrive at 09h25.
    •    SA477 returns on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Johannesburg at 18h55 to arrive in East London at 20h20
    SAA operates East London flights with Airbus A319 or A320 aircraft, offering SAA’s premium service in Business class.
    Business travellers will enjoy SAA’s premium service. Voyager Elite members enjoy a number of benefits which include, priority check-in and boarding, excess baggage, as well as lounge access.
    Early morning departures out of East London offer seamless connections at Johannesburg with SAA flights departing for other destinations in SAA’s regional route network.  Flights arriving late afternoon in Johannesburg offer easy connections with SAA’s international flights.
    SAA Cargo will use the added capacity to move fresh seafood and other freight on the early morning flights out of East London in time for the departure on SAA’s Hong Kong flight, primarily destined for international markets in Asia.

    The introduction of the three additional flights between Johannesburg and East London means the SAA Group, with its partner airlines, now offer an extensive service to the Eastern Cape.
    “We remain committed to ensuring that we respond to and meet the requirements of the market we serve. This means, SAA will continue to monitor performance and demand and will make appropriate commercial decisions with requisite agility in support of its customers,” concludes Tlali.

    SAA and its partner airlines, provide comprehensive service to the Eastern Cape with flights between Johannesburg and East London, George and Port Elizabeth. They also operate between Durban and East London, Cape Town and East London, and Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
    Revised East London Schedule:

     

    Flight Day of the week Depart Arrives
    SA471 Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday Johannesburg 10h10 East London 11h35
    SA475 Daily Johannesburg 15h30 East London 16h55
    SA480 Daily East London 17h25 Johannesburg 18h50
    SA476 Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday East London 12h05 Johannesburg 13h30
    SA472 Monday,Thursday East London 06h30 Johannesburg 07h55
    SA472 Saturday East London 08h00 Johannesburg 09h25
    SA477 Wednesday,Friday and Sunday Johannesburg 18h55 East London 20h20

    -ends-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

  • SYDNEY, Australia – June 4th, 2018 – Jeffrey Goh, CEO Star Alliance, used the occasion of the 74th IATA (International Air Transport Association) Annual General Meeting in Sydney to brief the world’s aviation media on the latest developments at the Alliance.

    He began by reminding the audience that Star Alliance had undertaken a shift in its strategic focus from membership growth to improving the seamless travel experience, especially for those customers who fly on multi-carrier journeys.

    Having control over their journey at their fingertips is of high importance to many travellers. Hence, harnessing digital technologies to provide a better and digital travel experience lies at the heart of this strategic repositioning.

    “At yesterday’s Chief Executive Board Meeting the member carrier CEO’s re-affirmed the shift in strategy and endorsed the Alliance’s plan to enable more interconnectivity between the digital services of the member airlines to elevate the customers’ Alliance travel experience”, commented Goh.

    In order to achieve this, the Alliance has set out to develop digital capabilities centrally, which can then be used by its member carriers to enhance their own products, so that they can offer extended care to their regular customers even when they are travelling elsewhere on the network.

    The groundwork for this digital transformation was put into place at Star Alliance several years ago, with the creation of an IT hub infrastructure. This has already enabled the better integration of back-end services between the member airlines. Improvements have, for example, been achieved in the reliability of through-check in for multi-carrier itineraries or ensuring faster crediting of accrued frequent flyer miles into the correct customer account.

    The next milestone was the launch of the Star Alliance Digital Services Platform (DSP) which officially went live in February this year. Lufthansa uses the DSP to provide baggage tracking information for customers connecting to or from other Star Alliance member airlines. The necessary data is sourced from the average six and a half million baggage messages per day, which are currently processed by the Star Alliance baggage hub.

    Meanwhile, United has enabled advanced seat reservations for flights operated by Singapore Airlines, for customers who book these through United’s website, app or mobile site. Further Star Alliance member carriers have indicated that they would like to offer this enhancement to their customers and the necessary work on this has already commenced.

    Those attending the briefing were given the opportunity to follow a live product demonstration.
    Many additional enhancements of this type will be introduced over the next few years.  Individually, these will offer an incremental improvement. Taken together, they will provide customers a completely new level of information and control of their journey.

    Photo Caption: Star Alliance CEO, Jeffrey Goh (right), and Star Alliance Director Digital and E-Services, Jeremy Drury (left) at the IATA press conference. Photo: Natalia Mroz/IATA


    About Star Alliance:
    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,800 daily flights to 1,317 airports in 193 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.

     

    Further information can be obtained via:

    Star Alliance Press Office
    Tel: +49 69 96375 183
    Fax: +49 69 96375 683
    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com
    www.staralliance.com
    Twitter @staralliance https://twitter.com/staralliance
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/staralliance
    LinkedIn:       https://www.linkedin.com/company/star-alliance
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staralliancenetwork
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/staralliance/

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 29 May 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) has announced an extended schedule as part of the interventions to sustain South African Express network. This is through replacement capacity for a year with partner airlines to support SA Express passengers. The intervention comes after the suspension of SA Express operations by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) on 24 May 2018.  

    “The year-long schedule brings travel certainty and choice for customers who may want to travel from today 29 May 2018 until 28 May 2019,” says SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

     

    SA Express Relief Schedule 29th May

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Days of Operation

    Code

    Flight

    Departing

    Departing

    Arriving

    Arriving

     

    Number

    Time

    Station

    Station

    Time

    Cape Town (CPT) - East London (ELS)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    12345.7

    SA

    8681

    10:45

    CPT

    ELS

    12:05

    12345.7

    SA

    8682

    12:35

    ELS

    CPT

    14:00

    Cape Town (CPT) -Port Elizabeth (PLZ)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    12345.7

    SA

    8671

    07:00

    CPT

    PLZ

    08:15

    12345.7

    SA

    8672

    08:45

    PLZ

    CPT

    10:00

    12345.7

    SA

    8675

    15:15

    CPT

    PLZ

    16:30

    12345.7

    SA

    8676

    17:00

    PLZ

    CPT

    18:15

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Bloemfontein (BFN)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    12345..

    SA

    8401

    06:10

    JNB

    BFN

    07:05

    12345..

    SA

    8402

    07:25

    BFN

    JNB

    08:20

    1234567

    SA

    8403

    08:55

    JNB

    BFN

    09:50

    1234567

    SA

    8404

    10:10

    BFN

    JNB

    11:05

    1234567

    SA

    8405

    09:15

    JNB

    BFN

    10:10

    1234567

    SA

    8406

    10:45

    BFN

    JNB

    10:55

    12345.7

    SA

    8407

    16:15

    JNB

    BFN

    17:10

    12345.7

    SA

    8408

    17:30

    BFN

    JNB

    18:25

    …..6.

    SA

    8409

    10:15

    JNB

    BFN

    11:10

    …..6.

    SA

    8410

    11:40

    BFN

    JNB

    12:35

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Kimberly (KIM)

               

     12345..

    SA

    8421

    06:30

    JNB

    KIM

    07:40

    12345..

    SA

    8422

    08:15

    KIM

    JNB

    09:25

    12345..

    SA

    8423

    09:50

    JNB

    KIM

    11:00

    12345..

    SA

    8424

    11:40

    KIM

    JNB

    12:50

    12345..

    SA

    8425

    13:30

    JNB

    KIM

    14:40

    12345..

    SA

    8426

    15:00

    KIM

    JNB

    16:10

    12345.7

    SA

    8427

    16:30

    JNB

    KIM

    17:40

    12345.7

    SA

    8428

    18:20

    KIM

    JNB

    19:30

    …..6.

    SA

    8429

    08:50

    JNB

    KIM

    10:10

    …..6.

    SA

    8430

    10:20

    KIM

    JNB

    11:30

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Richards Bay (RCB)

               

     123456.

    SA

    8441

    08:00

    JNB

    RCB

    09:15

    123456.

    SA

    8442

    09:45

    RCB

    JNB

    11:10

    12345..

    SA

    8443

    11:35

    JNB

    RCB

    12:50

    12345..

    SA

    8444

    13:10

    RCB

    JNB

    14:35

    12345.7

    SA

    8445

    15:00

    JNB

    RCB

    16:15

    12345.7

    SA

    8446

    16:35

    RCB

    JNB

    18:00

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Gaborone (GBE)

               

     12345..

    SA

    8452

    06:10

    JNB

    GBE

    07:05

    12345..

    SA

    8453

    07:30

    GBE

    JNB

    08:25

    12345..

    SA

    8454

    09:00

    JNB

    GBE

    09:55

    12345..

    SA

    8455

    10:20

    GBE

    JNB

    11:15

    1234567

    SA

    8458

    16:15

    JNB

    GBE

    17:10

    1234567

    SA

    8459

    17:35

    GBE

    JNB

    18:30

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Hoedspruit (HDS)

               

     1234567

    SA

    8859

    11:50

    JNB

    HDS

    12:50

    1234567

    SA

    8860

    13:20

    HDS

    JNB

    14:20

    Cape Town (CPT) - Hoedspruit (HDS)

               

     1234567

    SA

    8657

    11:10

    CPT

    HDS

    13:40

    1234567

    SA

    8658

    14:20

    HDS

    CPT

    17:00

    Johannesburg (JNB) - George (GRJ)

           

    1.34567

    SA

    2821

    11:50

    JNB

    GRJ

    13:45

    1.34567

    SA

    2826

    14:20

    GRJ

    JNB

    16:00

    Johannesburg (JNB) - East London (ELS)

         

    .234567

    SA

    471

    10:10

    JNB

    ELS

    11:35

    .234567

    SA

    476

    12:05

    ELS

    JNB

    13:30

    1234567

    SA

    475

    15:30

    JNB

    ELS

    16:55

    1234567

    SA

    480

    17:25

    ELS

    JNB

    18:50

    Cape Town (CPT) - Bloemfontein (BFN)

         

    12345..

    SA

    2069

    14:00

    BFN

    CPT

    15:40

    ......7

    SA

    2069

    14:45

    BFN

    CPT

    16:25

    12345..

    SA

    2068

    11:45

    CPT

    BFN

    13:15

    ......7

    SA

    2068

    12:30

    CPT

    BFN

    14:00

    Durban (DUR) - East London (ELS)

           

    12345..

    SA

    8541

    08:00

    DUR

    ELS

    09:20

    12345..

    SA

    8542

    09:40

    ELS

    DUR

    11:00

    12345..

    SA

    8545

    15:00

    DUR

    ELS

    16:20

    12345..

    SA

    8546

    16:40

    ELS

    DUR

    18:00

    Cape Town (CPT) - Walvis Bay (WVB)*awaiting regulatory approval

               

     1234567

    SA

    8695

    09:00

    CPT

    WVB

    11:15

    1234567

    SA

    8696

    17:15

    WVB

    CPT

    19:30

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Walvis Bay (WVB)*awaiting regulatory approval

               

     1234567

    SA

    8144

    11:45

    WVB

    JNB

    14:00

    1234567

    SA

    8145

    14:30

    JNB

    WVB

    16:45

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Lubumbashi (FBM)*awaiting regulatory approval

    1234567

    SA

    3094

    tbc

    JNB

    FBM

    tbc

    1234567

    SA

    3095

    tbc

    FBM

    JNB

    tbc

    1: Mon; 2: Tue; 3: Wed; 4:Thur; 5:Fri; 6:Sat; 7:Sun

               
                 

    “Through our collaborative efforts with partner airlines (SAA, SA Airlink and Mango Airlines), we are pleased that we can now offer customers a year-long schedule intended to ensure business continuity for all stakeholders and the markets affected. We are confident that the capacity we have deployed will sustain the network operated by SA Express until it is reinstated into service by the regulator,” said Tlali.

    “We trust that the measures introduced provide more clarity on the capacity and sustainability of the relief schedule during the suspension of SA Express services,” concluded Tlali.

    SAA with its partners will continue to monitor the network and performance during this period and will make necessary announcements as and when it is necessary to do so. Our official communication channels will carry updates on the status of the flights on an ongoing basis.

    Enquiries:

    Toll Free number: 0800 214 774 (06h00 to 23h59 SA Time)

    International Dialling: +27 11 978 6699

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

    -Ends-

     

     Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

     

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

     

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 25 May 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) has announced a flight schedule update as part of the recovery plans to bring replacement capacity with partner airlines to support South African Express passengers. This comes after the suspension of SA Express operations by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) on Thursday.

    “Through our collaborative efforts with partner airlines (SAA, SA Airlink and Mango Airlines), we are able to announce a schedule intended to ensure business continuity and provide travel certainty. We are confident that the capacity we have deployed will sustain network operated by SA Express until it is reinstated into service by the regulator,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

     SA Express Relief Schedule 28th May - 24th June 2018

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Days of Operation

    Code

    Flight

    Departing

    Departing

    Arriving

    Arriving

     

    Number

    Time

    Station

    Station

    Time

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Bloemfontein (BFN)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    12345..

    SA

    8401

    6:10

    JNB

    BFN

    7:05

    12345..

    SA

    8402

    7:25

    BFN

    JNB

    8:20

    12345..

    SA

    8403

    8:55

    JNB

    BFN

    9:50

    12345..

    SA

    8404

    10:10

    BFN

    JNB

    11:05

    1234567

    SA

    8405

    9:15

    JNB

    BFN

    10:45

    1234567

    SA

    8406

    10:00

    BFN

    JNB

    10:55

    1234567

    SA

    8407

    16:15

    JNB

    BFN

    17:10

    1234567

    SA

    8408

    17:30

    BFN

    JNB

    18:25

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Kimberly (KIM)

               

     12345..

    SA

    8421

    6:30

    JNB

    KIM

    7:40

    12345..

    SA

    8422

    8:15

    KIM

    JNB

    9:25

    12345..

    SA

    8423

    9:50

    JNB

    KIM

    11:00

    12345..

    SA

    8424

    11:40

    KIM

    JNB

    12:50

    12345..

    SA

    8425

    13:30

    JNB

    KIM

    14:40

    12345..

    SA

    8426

    15:00

    KIM

    JNB

    16:10

    1234567

    SA

    8427

    16:30

    JNB

    KIM

    17:40

    1234567

    SA

    8428

    18:20

    KIM

    JNB

    19:30

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Richards Bay (RCB)

               

     12345..

    SA

    8441

    8:00

    JNB

    RCB

    9:00

    12345..

    SA

    8442

    10:00

    RCB

    JNB

    11:00

    12345..

    SA

    8443

    11:30

    JNB

    RCB

    12:30

    12345..

    SA

    8444

    13:00

    RCB

    JNB

    14:00

    12345..

    SA

    8447

    15:00

    JNB

    RCB

    16:00

    12345..

    SA

    8449

    16:30

    RCB

    JNB

    17:30

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Gaborone (GBE)

               

     12345..

    SA

    8452

    6:20

    JNB

    GBE

    7:15

    12345..

    SA

    8453

    7:40

    GBE

    JNB

    8:35

    12345..

    SA

    8456

    9:00

    JNB

    GBE

    9:55

    12345..

    SA

    8457

    10:20

    GBE

    JNB

    11:15

    1234567

    SA

    8458

    14:40

    JNB

    GBE

    15:35

    1234567

    SA

    8459

    16:00

    GBE

    JNB

    16:55

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Hoedspruit (HDS)

               

     12345..

    SA

    8859

    11:40

    JNB

    HDS

    12:40

    12345..

    SA

    8860

    13:20

    HDS

    JNB

    14:20

    Cape Town (CPT) - Hoedspruit (HDS)

               

     1234567

    SA

    8657

    10:15

    CPT

    HDS

    12:45

    1234567

    SA

    8658

    13:30

    HDS

    CPT

    16:10

    Cape Town (CPT) - Walvis Bay (WVB)

               

     1234567

    SA

    8691

    9:00

    CPT

    WVB

    11:15

    1234567

    SA

    8692

    17:15

    WVB

    CPT

    19:30

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Walvis Bay (WVB)

               

     1234567

    SA

    8141

    11:45

    WVB

    JNB

    14:00

    1234567

    SA

    8142

    14:30

    JNB

    WVB

    16:45

    Johannesburg (JNB) - George (GRJ)

           

    1.34567

    SA

    2821

    11:50

    JNB

    GRJ

    13:45

    1.34567

    SA

    2826

    14:20

    GRJ

    JNB

    16:00

    Johannesburg (JNB) - East London (ELS)

         

    .234567

    SA

    471

    10:10

    JNB

    ELS

    11:35

    .234567

    SA

    476

    12:05

    ELS

    JNB

    13:30

    1234567

    SA

    475

    15:30

    JNB

    ELS

    16:55

    1234567

    SA

    480

    17:25

    ELS

    JNB

    18:50

    Cape Town (CPT) - Bloemfontein (BLF)

         

    12345..

    SA

    2069

    14:00

    BFN

    CPT

    15:40

    ......7

    SA

    2069

    14:45

    BFN

    CPT

    16:25

    12345..

    SA

    2068

    11:45

    CPT

    BFN

    13:15

    ......7

    SA

    2068

    12:30

    CPT

    BFN

    14:00

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Lubumbashi (FBM)*awaiting regulatory approval

    1234567

    SA

    3094

    tbc

    JNB

    FBM

    tbc

    1234567

    SA

    3095

    tbc

    FBM

    JNB

    tbc

    NB: 1: Monday 2: Tuesday 3: Wednesday 4: Thursday 5: Friday 6: Saturday 7: Sunday

     

    There is regrettably no recovery plan for the listed flight routings below and affected customers are advised to contact the call centre or their travel agent to request a refund at no additional fee/charge. These flights have been cancelled for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday):

    • Johannesburg – Sun City

    • Johannesburg –

    • Cape Town – Sun City

    • Cape Town – East London

    • Cape Town – Walvis Bay

       

    “We apologise to all affected customers for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of SA Express services,” concluded Tlali.

     

    SAA with its partners will continue to monitor the network and performance during this period and will make necessary announcements as and when it is necessary to do so. Our official communication channels will carry updates on the status of the flights on an ongoing basis.

     

    Enquiries:

    Toll Free number: 0800 214 774 (06h00 to 23h59 SA Time)

    International Dialling: +27 11 978 6699

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

    -Ends-

     

     Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

     

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

     

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 25 May 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) has announced a flight schedule update as part of the recovery plans to bring replacement capacity with partner airlines to support South African Express passengers. This comes after the suspension of SA Express operations by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) on Thursday.

    “Our priority remains customer assistance in the best way possible in order to minimise the inconvenience caused by the suspension of SA Express services,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

     SA Express Relief Schedule 26th May 2018

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Date

    Code

    Flight

    Departing

    Departing

    Arriving

    Arriving

     

     

    Number

    Time

    Station

    Station

    Time

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Bloemfontein (BFN)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8401

    12:40

    JNB

    BFN

    13:45

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8402

    14:30

    BFN

    JNB

    15:35

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8403

    16:15

    JNB

    BFN

    17:20

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8404

    17:50

    BFN

    JNB

    18:50

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Kimberly (KIM)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8421

    15:05

    JNB

    KIM

    16:05

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8422

    16:40

    KIM

    JNB

    17:40

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Richards Bay (RCB)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8443

    8:00

    JNB

    RCB

    9:15

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8444

    9:35

    RCB

    JNB

    10:50

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Gaborone (GBE)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8456

    9:15

    JNB

    GBE

    10:15

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8457

    10:45

    GBE

    JNB

    11:45

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8454

    15:35

    JNB

    GBE

    16:35

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8455

    17:05

    GBE

    JNB

    18:05

    Cape Town (CPT) - Hoedspruit (HDS)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8657

    8:50

    CPT

    HDS

    11:20

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8658

    14:55

    HDS

    CPT

    17:45

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8859

    13:30

    JNB

    HDS

    14:20

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    8860

    11:50

    HDS

    JNB

    12:50

    Johannesburg (JNB) - George (GRJ)

             

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    2821

    11:50

    JNB

    GRJ

    13:45

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    2826

    14:20

    GRJ

    JNB

    16:00

    Johannesburg (JNB) - East London (ELS)

             

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    471

    10:10

    JNB

    ELS

    11:35

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    476

    12:05

    ELS

    JNB

    13:30

     

     

     SA Express Relief Schedule 27th May 2018

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Date

    Code

    Flight

    Departing

    Departing

    Arriving

    Arriving

     

     

    Number

    Time

    Station

    Station

    Time

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Bloemfontein (BFN)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8401

    15:00

    JNB

    BFN

    16:00

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8402

    16:25

    BFN

    JNB

    17:25

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8403

    16:15

    JNB

    BFN

    17:20

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8404

    17:50

    BFN

    JNB

    18:50

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Kimberly (KIM)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8421

    11:30

    JNB

    KIM

    12:30

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8422

    12:55

    KIM

    JNB

    13:55

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Richards Bay (RCB)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8443

    15:00

    JNB

    RCB

    16:15

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8444

    16:55

    RCB

    JNB

    17:50

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Gaberone (GBE)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8452

    9:40

    JNB

    GBE

    10:40

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8453

    11:10

    GBE

    JNB

    12:10

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8456

    14:30

    JNB

    GBE

    15:30

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8457

    16:00

    GBE

    JNB

    17:00

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8454

    15:35

    JNB

    GBE

    16:35

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8455

    17:05

    GBE

    JNB

    18:05

    Cape Town (CPT) - Hoedspruit (HDS)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8657

    8:50

    CPT

    HDS

    11:20

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8658

    14:55

    HDS

    CPT

    17:45

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8859

    13:30

    JNB

    HDS

    14:20

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    8860

    11:50

    HDS

    JNB

    12:50

    Johannesburg (JNB) - George (GRJ)

             

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    2821

    11:50

    JNB

    GRJ

    13:45

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    2826

    14:20

    GRJ

    JNB

    16:00

    Johannesburg (JNB) - East London (ELS)

           

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    471

    10:10

    JNB

    ELS

    11:35

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    476

    12:05

    ELS

    JNB

    13:30

    Cape Town (CPT) - Bloemfontein (BFN)

           

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    2069

    12:30

    CPT

    BFN

    14:00

    Saturday, May 26, 2018

    SA

    2070

    14:45

    BFN

    CPT

    16:25

    Johannesburg (JNB) - Lubumbashi (FBM)*awaiting regulatory approval

     

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    3094

    6:00

    JNB

    FBM

    8:20

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    SA

    3095

    9:00

    FBM

    JNB

    11:20

     

    There is regrettably no recovery plan for the listed flight routings below and affected customers are advised to contact the call centre or their travel agent to request a refund at no additional fee/charge. These flights have been cancelled for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday):

    • Johannesburg – Sun City

    • Johannesburg –

    • Cape Town – Sun City

    • Cape Town – East London

    • Cape Town – Walvis Bay

       

    “We sincerely apologise to all affected customers for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of SA Express services,” concluded Tlali.

     

    SAA will provide the next flight schedule update as soon as it is finalised. We encourage our customers to continue to visit our official communication channels for regular updates on the status of the flights.

     

    Enquiries:

    Toll Free number: 0800 214 774 (06h00 to 23h59 SA Time)

    International Dialling: +27 11 978 6699

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

    -Ends-

     Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 25 May 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) has announced recovery plans that entail replacement capacity with partner airlines to support South African Express passengers. This comes after the suspension of SA Express operations by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) on Thursday.

    Three partner airlines (SAA, Mango Airlines, SA Airlink) collaborated to initiate a plan aimed at mitigating the impact of the suspension of SA Express services and to ensure business continuity.

    “Our priority remains customer assistance in the best way possible in order to minimise the inconvenience caused by the suspension of SA Express services,” said SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.

    “We have a recovery plan which was activated soon after the suspension of SA Express operations.”

    Passengers scheduled to depart, between 06h00 and 09h00 on 25 May 2018, are advised to proceed to SA Express counters for information relating to the contingency plans made for these flights, or alternatively call 0800 214 774 and +27 11 978 6699. Passengers are further encouraged to take note of the following:
    •    SAA will rebook, reroute or refund passengers whose travel plans have changed due to suspension of SA Express flights.
    •    Passengers on SA coded tickets and SA code share will be accommodated on a priority basis.
    •    SAA will, in accordance with its compensation policy, compensate all passengers where applicable.

    “We sincerely apologise to all affected customers for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of SA Express services,” concluded Tlali.

    SAA will provide regular updates on the situation and will use all its official communication channels to share information on the status of the flights.

    Enquiries:
    Toll Free number: 0800 214 774 (06h00 to 23h59 SA Time)
    International Dialling: +27 11 978 6699
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

    -Ends-

     Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG. 24 May 2018. South African Airways (SAA) has noted the decision by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to suspend all South African Express flights. The decision to suspend SA Express is based on the audit findings by SACAA on SA Express, which among other things relate to safety management processes.

    SAA has activated its business continuity teams to implement contingency plans and is working closely with SA Express to provide all required and necessary assistance.

    All efforts are being channelled towards assisting passengers who may be affected by the suspension of SA Express services.

    SAA has an interline agreement with SA Express and has mobilised teams at the airports to assist the passengers.   

    We apologise to all our customers for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of SA Express services.

    SAA will provide regular updates on the situation and will use all its official communication channels to share information on the status of the flights.

    Enquiries:

    Toll Free number: 0800 214 774

    International Dialling: +27 11 978 6699

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

    The links below has information on SACAA and SA Express statements.  

    SACAA:

    http://www.caa.co.za/Media%20Statements/2018/SA%20Civil%20Aviation%20Authority%20Suspends%20SA%20Express%20Operating%20Permits.pdf

     

    SA Express:

    http://www.flyexpress.aero/blog/2018/05/24/sa-express-temporarily-suspends-operations

     

    -Ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

     

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Today the Standing Committee on Finance (SCOF) postponed its meeting to review SAA’s Fourth Quarter results due to lack of agreement on whether the session should be held in committee or in public. This emanates from the application made by the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance to have some of the presentations by SAA held in private in order to protect the confidentiality of some of SAA’s strategies.

    Unlike many State Owned Enterprises which operate as sole providers of services, SAA is a commercial enterprise which operates in a highly competitive environment. The duty to account to parliamentary committee must be balanced with the degree of protection of the confidentiality of SAA’s commercial strategies.

    In February 2018, SAA had presented its turnaround strategy to SCOF and was accepted and supported. The same strategy was presented to the Standing Committee on Appropriations (SCOA) in March 2018. Today SAA was due to present its fourth quarter report as part of the normal parliamentary report cycle.

    It would appear that there was a disagreement amongst committee members as to whether there was a committee resolution to have some of SAA’s meetings held in committee only. The committee then postponed the presentation by SAA in order to consult its own records regarding the decision.

    After a comprehensive review of this issue, and having taken into account the need to protect SAA’s commercially sensitive strategies whilst staying within the governance prescripts, we have decided to make SAA’s fourth quarter presentation available to the public.

    The need to protect SAA’s commercial strategies cannot be overemphasised. We are encouraged by the committee’s intention to conduct some of the reviews of SAA

    Enquiries: Communications Unit
    Email: media@treasury.gov.za
    Tel: (012) 315 5944


    reports in private. Holding some of the reviews in committee will allow members of
    parliament to have an in-depth engagement with SAA’s leadership whilst protecting
    SAA’s commercial strategies.


    Issued by Ministry of Finance

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 7 May 2018. South African Airways (SAA) has joined hands with SA Tourism to inspire customers with the legacy of Nelson Mandela.
    Copies of one of Madiba’s favourite books Dare not Linger co-written by him and South African writer Mandla Langa, were handed out to customers travelling to Durban as lead up to the Nelson Mandela Centenary which marks the year in which Mandela would have turned a 100 years old.
    The Nelson Mandela Centenary is set to take center stage at the 2018 Africa Travel Indaba that runs from 8 to 10 May at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre.
    “SAA and SA Tourism have long been partners in promoting travel to our beautiful country.  Dare not Linger draws on Mandela’s own unfinished memoir, and narrates the story of his presidency told in his own words.
    “Offering the book to SAA and Mango customers is a fitting and inspiring reminder of the qualities of selflessness, sacrifice, justice, equality, and universal good Mandela stood for. It is a gift worth celebrating, an enduring legacy we will cherish with our customers and partners,” says Pumla Luhabe, SAA Chief Commercial Officer.

    SAA customers, some who may be travelling to Africa's Travel Indaba, who travelled yesterday and today from Johannesburg, and Mango customers travelling from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Lanseria to Durban, will receive the book at the departure check-in counters in the morning and again in the afternoon.

    “We are proud to participate in the Nelson Mandela Centenary, encouraging travel to a 100 iconic places around South Africa including landmarks and sites that inspired his life. Over the coming months customers will further be delighted and inspired on board our flights in celebration of Madiba’s legacy,” concluded Luhabe.

    Owned and managed by SA Tourism, Africa's Travel Indaba has established itself as the world’s leading African tourism trade show and annually attracts about 7 000 delegates from all over the world. SAA is an annual exhibitor at Indaba with its supporting regional offices.
    For more information, please download the Mandela Journey App: www.madibasjourney.southafrica.net
    -ends-

     Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298


    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

     

  • South African Airways cancels Mauritius flights due to severe tropical storm

    JOHANNESBURG. 24 April 2018. South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that the airline has cancelled today’s flights to and from Mauritius due to a severe tropical storm Fakir.

    Tuesday 24 April

    The cancelled flights are: (SA operated and MK marketing)

    - SA190/MK950 of 24 April 2018 from Johannesburg to Mauritius
    - SA191/MK949 of 24 April 2018 from Mauritius to Johannesburg

    Wednesday 25 April

    The upgraded flights are: (SA operated and MK marketing)
    SA190/25April from Johannesburg to Mauritius
    SA191/25April from Mauritius to Johannesburg to operate with A340-600 (42 Business and 275 Economy seats) instead of the A330-300

    “We apologise for these cancellations, which were caused by circumstances beyond our control. SAA will operate a bigger aircraft, the A340-600, on the route tomorrow to ensure that our customers reach their destinations.

    “The decision to cancel was taken in the interest of safety, after it was established from the Mauritius Meteorology Services that the aerodrome weather forecast created by the severe tropical storm Fakir would affect SAA’s operations today,” says Tlali Tlali SAA Spokesperson.

    SAA will continue to monitor the weather conditions in Mauritius and will advise customers accordingly.

    Rebooking Conditions applicable:

    •    Rebook onto another South African Airways flight  for a later date at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same cabin
    •    Change of cabin will not be permitted
    •    Rerouting is permitted with prescribed conditions
    •    This policy is applicable to South African Airways flights only, issued on SA (083) ticket stock and not on separate tickets of other airlines
    •    SAA will re-accommodate Air Mauritius code share passengers booked on the cancelled SA operated flights
    •    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 30 April 2018
    •    Travel must commence on/before 30 April 2018

    Contact details

    South African Airways Contact Centres
    South Africa
    •    Johannesburg | 27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
    Mauritius

    •    Tel: +230 202 6737 / +230 603 5903

    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

  • Confirming the airline’s status amongst the best airlines in the world

    JOHANNESBURG. 17 April 2018. South African Airways (SAA) has maintained a 4-Star Skytrax ranking, in both Business and Economy Class, for a 16th consecutive year.

    “This win will surely strengthen our global position for once again being awarded a 4-Star ranking. Awards demonstrate that SAA is standing its ground as one of the leading airlines in the world,” said Tlali Tlali, SAA spokesperson.

    The SAA stations audited this year were South Africa: ORTIA, Durban, and Cape Town; regional – Mauritius and international: Hong Kong, UK, Perth, and São Paulo. “We were also fortunate to have had our new Airbus A330-300 audited this year amongst our aircraft fleet. The A330-300s are state-of-the-art aircraft and the latest acquisition in our fleet,” said Tlali.

    The Skytrax 4-Star ranking is a seal of quality approval awarded to airlines supplying good quality performance across a range of product and service-delivery rating areas. Skytrax assessed the rating after detailed product and service standards audits for each featured airline and not connected to any customer ratings.

    A 4-Star Airline rating signifies airlines providing a good standard of product and staff service across all travel categories, including cabin seating, safety standards, cabin cleanliness, comfort amenities, catering, tax-free sales, reading materials, in-flight entertainment, and staff service.

    Skytrax, an independent, global airline-rating organisation, awarded the 4-Star rating placing the airline amongst other international and partner airlines. SAA has maintained quality levels throughout what has been another challenging year for the airline, delivering an excellent product and service standards to our customers, making this 4-Star Airline ranking well deserved.

    Skytrax commented: “The South African Airways product and service standards continue to perform at a standard that is meeting 4-Star levels and this applies to long-haul, regional, and domestic flights.”

    “SAA operates in a highly competitive environment with other African airlines such as Air Mauritius, Royal Air Maroc, Air Seychelles, and Ethiopian Airways also achieving 4 Stars. Winning awards inspires us to seek further opportunities for service excellence and act as an important motivation for employees to keep doing their best and further improve the travel experience of the millions of customers who choose to fly with SAA,” said Tlali.
    SAA recently also won four of the six APEX Regional Passenger Choice Awards (PCAs) for Best Seat Comfort, Best Cabin Service, Best Food and Beverage, and Best Overall in Africa for airlines operating in the Africa region. The airline won the Best in Region – Africa award twice before, in 2012 and 2011.

    Major awards SAA received in 2017:

        SAA retained a 4-Star Skytrax rating in both Economy and Business Class for 15 years in a row. The airline is the proud holder of the Skytrax award as Best Airline in Africa for 14 years running.
        SAA’s in-flight magazine Sawubona won the award for Africa’s Leading In-flight Magazine for the third year in a row at the World Travel Awards™, voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide.
        A Voyager member, Dr Sheng Chun Wen, with Gold status, won one million Voyager miles with his composite image as part of the Star Alliance competition offering one million miles from each of the 21 Frequent Flyer Programmes. The competition was in celebration of Star Alliance’s 20th anniversary.
        Readers of the Business Traveller magazine chose SAA for the 11th consecutive year as Best African Airline at the Business Traveller Awards 2017.  The awards are widely regarded as the market’s benchmark for excellence.
        SAA was named winner in the African Long-Haul Airline category at the Business Traveller Africa Conference and Awards in September, an event for the South African business travel trade, which is held in association with Business Traveller magazine.
        SAA again took first place in the Domestic Airline category at the Sunday Times Top Brand Awards, which are based on research conducted by leading market research company, TNS, and reflects consumer and business perspectives on brands in South Africa.
    -ends-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

  • JOHANNESBURG. 12 April 2018. South African Airways (SAA) has announced a number of key appointments to fill the critical skills gap at the airline as it forges ahead with implementing its turnaround.

     

    The airline is aggressively implementing its turnaround plan aimed at returning the company to financial sustainability, with leadership driving the implementation of the strategy. SAA has since taken a number of key steps as part of the turnaround, with the latest development to strengthen further the skills set to assist with the turnaround.

     

    “The urgency to bring skills into SAA to stabilise leadership cannot be overemphasised. We have always maintained that we will adopt a three-pronged strategy to bring skills into SAA. These include searching for experienced executives to fill vacancies on a permanent basis, appointing interim executives with experience to fill the gaps whilst searching for permanent executives as well as engaging industry firms to bring capacity at short notice to industrialise our turnaround interventions. Filling the critical skills gap is top priority, especially in the financial, business and commercial specialist areas of the airline,” says Vuyani Jarana, SAA CEO.

     

    SAA has made a number of key appointments with some of these specialists already on board.

     

    Ms Pumla Luhabe is Chief Commercial Officer since 19 February, joining SAA from her previous position as General Manager: Commercial for Mango since 2008. She has over 20 years’ of senior management experience, 15 of which in the airline industry.

     

    Mr Bob Head is the Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective 11 April 2018. He has extensive management experience in different senior management roles both locally and internationally. A specialist in turning businesses around and resolving business problems, he is also a former CEO of a number of companies, and Finance and Group Human Resources Director.

     

    SAA has appointed Mr Hendus Venter as Chief Information Officer (CIO) effective 1 May. He has over 20 years’ senior management experience in banking, insurance and technology. He is currently Group CIO for African Bank, which has made several successful technology investments in digital capabilities, data sciences, cloud networking, and cyber security.

     

    SAA appointed Ms Mpati Amelia Qofa as Acting Chief Legal Officer on a fixed-term contract basis effective 3 April. She is an Advocate at the Johannesburg bar and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having being involved in significant public cases.

     

    SAA appointed Mr Kenneth Pillay as a Procurement Specialist, effective 12 April. He will also act as Chief Procurement Officer whilst the recruitment process is being finalised. He has more than 20 years’ experience in integrated supply chain management, which ranges from demand and procurement planning, strategic sourcing, global sourcing, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation across various organisations.

     

    SAA has also made other appointments to assist with governance issues in key areas by appointing Mr Thabang Motsohi as Regulatory Policy Officer and Mr Vuyolwethu (Vuyo) Tuku as Manager in Office of the CEO.

     

    “These appointments will enhance capacity at executive levels to accelerate the execution of required strategy initiatives,” concluded Jarana.

     

    -ends-

     

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

     

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

     

    For Media Information, Please Contact:

     

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

     

  • South African Airways (SAA) advises customers that its German operations for 10 April are affected by strike action in Germany.

    German labour union Verdi announced today that German public sector workers will extend their strike action tomorrow to airports across the country, predicting flight disruptions as it seeks to increase pressure in pay talks.

    “We have decided to continue with operations based on the conditions as given below,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA spokesperson.

    •    Only customers that have the necessary travel documents to enter Germany would be accepted
    •    No customers travelling beyond Frankfurt and Munich would be accepted
    •    No customers requiring special assistance would be accepted
    •    No customers requiring wheelchairs or have approved medical clearance to travel would be accepted
    •    No unaccompanied minors or young passengers requiring a meet and assist would be accepted

    Customers are advised that there will be limited ground handling services available in Germany over the strike period, which would affect baggage handling.
    The following flights will operate as scheduled:

    9 April 2018

    SA260/09APR Johannesburg (JNB) – Frankfurt (FRA)
    SA264//09APR Johannesburg (JNB) – Munich (MUC)

    10 April 2018

    SA261/10APR Frankfurt (FRA) – Johannesburg (JNB)
    SA265/10APR Munich (MUC) – Johannesburg (JNB)

    “We are doing everything possible to minimise the effect of the German strike action on our customers. Customers departing on tonight’s flight will be given the choice to postpone their travel and will be re-accommodated should they decide not to travel,” says Tlali.

    Rebooking Conditions applicable:

    •    Rebook onto another South African Airways flight  for a later date at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same cabin
    •    Change of cabin will not be permitted
    •    Rerouting is permitted with prescribed conditions
    •    This policy is applicable to South African Airways flights only, issued on SA (083) ticket stock and not on separate tickets of other airlines
    •    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 30 April 2018
    •    Travel must commence on/before 30 April 2018

    Contact details

    South African Airways Contact Centres
    South Africa

    •    Johannesburg | 27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606

     Germany, Frankfurt
    +49 69 299 803 20
    email: euhelp@flysaa.com

    -ENDS-

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson

    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • Airline announces financial results for year ending March 2017

    • SAA operations remain intact due to solid operational fundamentals in place, despite losses posted in Financial Year 2016/17

    • Newly appointed CEO and reconstituted Board with aviation experience focus on aggressive strategy implementation 

    • SAA earmarks financial year 2019/2020 to break even before it becomes profitable 

    • Quick wins have been implemented already to arrest immediate losses to improve performance

    • ‘Green shoots’ progress made with turnaround 

    JOHANNESBURG. 29 March 2018. South African Airways (SAA) is confident about the future outlook of the airline, a view which has been bolstered by the early positive signs that are beginning to emerge in the form of improved performance especially of the domestic and regional routes. The majority of the airline’s operations remain intact and this is due to solid operational fundamentals despite poor financial performance in financial year 2017. The airline has been able to maintain the integrity of its flight schedule, a significant indicator of stability of its operations.  

    SAA is forging ahead with implementation of its turnaround strategy, with tangible results set to turn the airline into a financially sustainable entity. The effects of the turnaround strategy will be seen in the 2019/20 financial year.

    The airline today announced its financial results for the year ending March 2017 following its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Annual Financial Statements for the 2016/17 financial year were adopted at today’s AGM. SAA recorded losses of R5.67 billion for the year ending March 2017.

    The AGM was the first to be concluded since the appointment of Mr Vuyani Jarana, SAA CEO, a newly reconstituted Board and new Shareholder minister. In November 2017 six new members were appointed to the SAA Board, with Mr Johannes Bhekumuzi (JB) Magwaza appointed as the new chairperson. Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene was appointed 27 February 2018 marking his return as the shareholder representative.

     

    FY2017 context and achievements

    SAA Group’s performance for the year ending March 2017 needs to be seen in the context of the important role the airline plays in the aviation sector and the broader South African economy.

    • 34 000 jobs created and/or sustained in South Africa;

    • R9,2 billion, representing approximately 0.3 percent contributed to the national GDP every year;

    • SAA Group employed 10 071 staff (SAA airline 5 752 and Mango 713);

    FY2017 was earmarked by management turbulence, deteriorating results and increasing debt levels. While numerous attempts have been made to restructure the SAA Group these have been met with limited success due to a failure to translate strategic intent into implementation.

    “One of the key reasons for the underperformance was an overt focus on cost reduction without adequately addressing operating model constraints, as well as limited commercial and business skills to drive revenue growth,” said SAA Group CEO, Mr Vuyani Jarana.

    Some of SAA Group’s operational highlights included the following:

    • SAA maintained its impeccable safety record;

    • Received numerous awards as affirmation of operational excellence;

    • Africa’s first commercial biofuel flight made history;

    • On-time performance consistently above the 87.2% target;

    • AMOS implemented at SAA Technical;

    Although SAA results showed a net loss of R5.6 billion for FY2017, the business fundamentals remain intact as passenger numbers remained steady albeit at lower fares due to increased competition in the international and domestic market coupled with foreign currency volatility.

     

    Group Financial Performance FY2017

    1. Financial performance

    SAA recorded very diminished revenue growth of R26 million, from R30.716 billion to R30.742 billion, mostly attributed to increased competition in the domestic and international market, and declining yields. Operating costs rose by R3.360 billion, (R1.8 billion related to translation losses on foreign currency balance sheet items), 11% higher than the previous year. The cost to income ratios continued to move in the wrong direction - an undesirable outcome for any business. With 54 percent of the SAA cost base linked to foreign or hard currencies, the group had significant exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations.

     

     

    1. Commercial performance

    SAA’s commercial performance for the year under review reflects the difficult macro-economic conditions, with fluctuating currency and Brent crude prices, and a fiercely competitive environment, which constrained revenue generation. The nominal increase in revenue year-on-year was less than anticipated. The increase compared with the previous year (FY2016), is largely a result of the local currency weakness, but does reflect an increase in airfares on all our routes. Currency devaluation is a double-edged sword in that, on the one hand, it makes the destination attractive to visitors who view it as a value for money proposition and thereby increases traffic. As long as revenue is generated in those markets, this works in favour of the business.

    1. Operational performance

    Enhancing customer experience

    “We will continue to improve our service to our customers. Our value proposition is underpinned by higher order commitment to maintain high safety standards, and improved customer experience in every customer interaction we engage in. SAA is a well-recognised and respected brand in the aviation industry. The airline has a strong brand, sound track record for passenger safety and its impressive on-time performance is amongst the best of breed in the aviation industry. Voyager, our loyalty programme, is the first Frequent Flyer Programme in Africa that is fully-fledged revenue based – accrual and redemption of Miles,” explained Jarana.

    Operational activities aligned to create efficiencies

    SAA is implementing a number of initiatives as part of the Change Agenda driven by ten key strategic priorities to turn SAA around. These are intended to transform the airline into a commercially viable organisation with customer experience as its cornerstone by developing a new operating model and ensuring a change in culture.

    There is a need for a complete overhaul of SAA’s operating model and structure and build a fit for the future airline capable of operating on a financially sustainable basis. An operating model has been developed and approved by the Board. Urgent attention is also to be given to filling the critical skills gap where SAA lacks the necessary financial, business and commercial skills to implement its long-term turnaround strategy.

    A structured approach is being followed to build on our progressive recovery process, with deliverables following broad issues under an overarching strategy: Arrest, Change, Stabilise and Grow. Since November last year, the SAA Group has been in the Arrest phase, marked by urgency and diligence in implementing a number of turnaround initiatives to arrest immediate losses, with a positive financial impact of the initiative. The operating model has to be aligned to the new strategic objectives.

     

    A dedicated change programme office (Change Hub) will manage implementation to ensure sustainable results. The sharpened focus has the intention of successfully implementing the turnaround strategy.

     

    A number of quick wins have recently been implemented to arrest immediate losses and start to turn around performance such as capacity redistribution, where SAA has transferred four aircraft to Mango and the shift has resulted in 7% increase in passengers for the Group for February versus last year. Others are route optimisation, staff costs, organisational redesign, renegotiation of terms with key suppliers, and approaching lenders to support financing requirements.

    “Our ultimate aim is that SAA would be the pride of the nation as an independent, financially sustainable airline. To attain this, we are taking decisive action, and accelerating initiatives to ensure alignment and to return to profitability. We continue to strive to be innovative and ensure long term sustainability of the group,” concluded Jarana.

    -Ends-

    Please find pictures at We Transfer link = https://we.tl/AvXDidm1NT; OR https://wetransfer.com/downloads/471c1cf418f9a0b099093665fab46cb620180329075900/fed581265df60e53e9505407e18b0cd620180329075900/203f15;

    Please find the 2017 annual report at: https://www.flysaa.com/about-us/leading-carrier/media-center/financial-results

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

  • JOHANNESBURG – 22 March 2018.  South African Airways (SAA) advises all its customers that flights to the US have resumed as per the normal schedule as adverse weather conditions have cleared.
    “We are pleased to advise that the adverse weather conditions in New York will be clearing as from today and our US operations will operate as per the normal schedule following disruptions over the past few days,” says SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali. 
    All SAA flights to operate as per the normal published schedule as from today, 22 March:
    SA 203 from Johannesburg (JNB) to New York (JFK) to depart today 22 March 2018 as scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning;
    SA 204 is the first flight from JFK to depart from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB) on Friday 23 March 2018. 
    Services to and from Washington, Dulles (IAD) were unaffected.
    “South African Airways regrets any inconvenience caused to our customers as a result of cancellation of flights. We have the best interests of our passengers at heart and trust that our discerning customers will appreciate that this decision was based on safety as the main consideration,” explained Tlali. 
    SAA encourages all customers to visit its website www.flysaa.com for all flight updates and or flight cancellations. The supporting information will be updated on the Flight Status menu tab.
    Contact details
    South African Airways Contact Centres
    South Africa
    Johannesburg | 27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     USA
    Fort Lauderdale | 1 (800) 722 9675
    -ENDS-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • JOHANNESBURG – 21 March 2018.  South African Airways (SAA) advises all its customers of changes to its US flights due to adverse weather conditions.
    “We have decided to cancel today’s flight from Johannesburg to New York and tomorrow’s flight returning from New York to Johannesburg due to adverse weather conditions such as snow and freezing rain aggravated by gusting winds. The weather conditions make it unsafe to operate flights as conditions are outside our operating limits,” says SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali. 
    The following South African Airways (SAA) flights are cancelled:
    Wednesday, 21 March 2018
    SA 203 from Johannesburg (JNB) to New York (JFK) 
    Thursday, 22 March 2018 
    SA 204 from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB) 
    Services to and from Washington, Dulles (IAD) are currently unaffected.
    Today’s flight (SA209) from Johannesburg via Accra to Washington and tomorrow’s flight (SA210) from Washington via Accra to Johannesburg will operate on a bigger aircraft, the Airbus A340-600.
    Assistance will be provided to all ticketed customers holding a South African Airways Ticket (only) via any SAA Call Centre, City Travel Office or your own Travel Agent with the following conditions.
    Rebooking Conditions applicable
    Rebook onto another South African Airways flight for a later date at no extra charge and subject to availability in the same cabin
    Change of cabin will not be permitted
    Rerouting is permitted with prescribed conditions
    This policy is applicable to South African Airways flights only, issued on SA (083) ticket stock and not on separate tickets of other airlines
    A full refund would be granted to all customers on application
    Tickets must be re-issued on/before 29 March 2018
    Travel must commence on/before 30 March 2018
    Contact details
    South African Airways Contact Centres
    South Africa
    Johannesburg | 27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
     USA
    Fort Lauderdale | 1 (800) 722 9675
    “South African Airways regrets any inconvenience caused to our customers as a result of cancellation of flights. We have the best interests of our passengers at heart and trust that our discerning customers will appreciate that this decision was based on safety as the main consideration,” explained Tlali. 
    SAA encourages all customers to visit its website www.flysaa.com for all flight updates and or flight cancellations. The supporting information will be updated on the Flight Status menu tab.
    “We will monitor the situation on an ongoing basis and be in constant liaison with the US authorities so that we are able to resume flights once the situation improves,” concluded Tlali.   
    -ENDS-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. 
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com
     
    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com 
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
  • • Board and management already taking urgent steps to address Auditor-General’s findings
    • AG audit findings will form part of remedial action in strategy implementation 
    • Shareholder and board fully committed to turnaround strategy
    • Strong focus on breaking loss-making cycle and making SAA sustainable

    JOHANNESBURG, 13 March 2018 - The board and management of South African Airways are taking urgent steps to address issues raised by the Auditor-General’s office in its 2016-17 audit report, and remains optimistic about the airline’s future.
    “The board of SAA has noted and accepted the Auditor General’s report,” says CEO Vuyani Jarana. “The majority of the airline’s operations are sound, and we are building on this to ensure we break the loss-making cycle and transform the airline into a viable and sustainable entity.
    “The board has developed and approved a clear strategy and five-year plan to turn the airline around, and we are working closely with the board and the shareholder to ensure we succeed.
    “SAA has had many previous turnaround strategies which have not been implemented before. This time it is different: we believe the vision outlined by the board is absolutely correct, and are committed to ensuring it is put into practice.
    “We need a clean break with the past and a new approach to the future, and that is precisely what we are doing. We are acting with urgency to ensure the viability and sustainability of this crucial national asset,” says Jarana.
    Jarana points out that the AG’s report was the first since the Auditor General was appointed as SAA’s auditors, having been appointed as part of the airline’s commitment to audit firm rotation. The report released last week covers the financial year ending March 2017, and Jarana says it has “provided a fresh pair of eyes, particularly as the team went a number of years back where required to establish an appropriate baseline.”
    “The AG has given us a comprehensive diagnosis into key areas of our business and this has provided deep insights which will contribute to a fit for purpose group of businesses.”
    The AG’s report forms part of SAA’s Integrated report along with financial results for FY2016/2017, which are due to be announced later this month. The airline has incurred a net loss of R5.569 billion (2015/2016: R1,478 billion) and expects that its financial situation will not be much different for FY2017/2018.
    However, a number of significant steps have already been taken as part of the turnaround strategy, with the clear aim of taking SAA to profitability in the medium-term.
    The five-year plan and strategy require support and funding by the shareholder. The board and the shareholder are currently evaluating the appropriate terms for such support.
    The immediate focus of the strategy is on liquidity management, balance sheet restructuring, cost management as well as revenue optimisation, which are intended to stem the losses and drive profitability.
    Key steps already taken include:
    • Improving governance by strengthening the board and its structures.
    • Injecting R10-billion capital into SAA to improve its balance sheet.
    • Addressing the leadership vacuum by filling key executive vacancies.
    • Bringing in a depth of aviation skills by hiring the Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO).
    • Implementing key market-facing initiatives aimed at stopping ongoing losses.
    Furthermore, network optimisation has been implemented on the domestic, regional and international route network to improve yields. The London route will be served by an upgraded product and reduced to a single daily service.  These network changes are necessary as SAA’s route network remains under intense scrutiny with clear defined minimum profit margin target at route and network level. A change hub has been setup as command centre for implementation of the change initiatives.

     The R10-billion capital injection from National Treasury late last year has helped restructure the balance sheet and improve SAA’s equity position. 

    “However, it is important to note that SAA has never been properly capitalised, and any company has a defined maximum debt capacity beyond which debt becomes a burden. We need to do more and work closely with the shareholder to find lasting solutions that will materially improve SAA’s equity position,” says Jarana.

    “Notwithstanding all the financial challenges facing SAA, it remains a well-recognised and respected brand in the aviation industry. We have a great reputation and track record for passenger safety and our on-time performance is among the best in the aviation industry, as well as numerous air travel recognition awards.

    “We can assure our suppliers, creditors, customers, trade partners and the rest of our stakeholders that the shareholder, the board and management are doing everything practically possible to address SAA’s financial status and to transform the airline’s financial, commercial and strategic position.
    “The board and shareholder are determined to build a financially sustainable airline,” concludes Jarana.
    -ENDS-
    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
    About South African Airways:
    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.
    For media information, please contact:
    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298
    Marketing Enquiries:
    Head of Marketing
    Ms Kim Thipe
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597
    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040
    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

    General Enquiries:
    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000
    Website: www.flysaa.com
    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa
    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

     

  • Exclusive Fares for Upcoming Tourism Events in South Africa

    Fort Lauderdale, FL (March 01, 2018) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa is pleased to offer special travel trade fares to our travel partners and industry colleagues that are planning to attend the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) April 15-17, the World Travel Market (WTM) April 15 - 20, We Are Africa May 16 -17 all held in Cape Town and Africa’s premier travel show, Indaba, hosted by South African Tourism, May 8 - 10 in Durban.

    We invite our valued travel partners to attend one or more of these events to learn more about the exciting destinations and developments in Africa’s tourism industry. These special fares from $550.00* (restrictions apply) in Economy Class and from $4650.00* (restrictions apply) for Premium Business Class are for travel roundtrip from New York-JFK Airport or Washington D.C.- Dulles Airport to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. Special low add-on fares are also available to select destinations on SAA’S extensive route network throughout Southern and East Africa to give delegates an opportunity to travel around the region to experience the beauty, culture, and wildlife of Africa on pre- and/or post-conference tours.

    “As the national carrier of South Africa and leading airline in Southern Africa, one of our missions is to foster the development of tourism to the many destinations we serve throughout the continent,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways. “These conferences provide an opportunity for our travel partners to experience and learn about the latest tourism trends, products, and destinations in Africa. We are pleased to offer them an affordable way to travel to attend these conferences to gain further insight and knowledge on selling Africa.

     

    SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS OFFERS SPECIAL FARES TO CONFERENCE DELEGATES PAGE 2

    For reservations and complete details on these exclusive fares, conference delegates should download the application form by visiting http://bit.ly/SAA2018INDABAFares and call SAA Reservations at 1-866-359-7227.

    About South African Airways

    South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low-cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.

     

    Like South African Airways on Facebook here

    Follow South African Airways Twitter here

     

    Media Contact

    Todd Neuman

    Telephone: +1 (954) 769-5001

    Email: toddneuman@flysaa.com

                                                                                   ###

    *Restrictions:

    Fares are per person and include all government and carrier- imposed taxes and fees. The $550.00 fare for Economy Class and $4650.00 fare for Business Class is valid for travel from New York -JFK or Washington, DC-IAD to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. Applicable to selected SAA destinations (flight # range 001-999) for round-trip or open jaw travel only. SAA must be used on the transatlantic sectors to qualify for the domestic/ regional add-on fares within Africa. Travel must originate from JFK or IAD only, between April 13 and May 16, 2018, and return travel completed no later than May 31, 2018. A minimum stay of three days is required and must include at least one of the conference dates. Tickets must be purchased within five days of the reservations being made or 14 days prior to departure, whichever comes first. Cancellations before departure will be assessed a $300.00 service charge and after departure the ticket is non-refundable. Date changes fee: $150+ any applicable fare difference. Child and other discounts do not apply to these fares. Seats are limited at these fares, but other lower fares may also be available. Baggage and optional service fees may apply. Fares available for travel agents with a valid IATAN identification card and other conference delegates with valid registration for ILTM, We Are Africa, WTM and/or Indaba.

     

    Directors JB Magwaza* (Chairperson), N Fakude* (Deputy Chairperson), V Jarana (Group Chief Executive Officer), P Nhantsi (Chief Financial Officer), ML Kingston*, HP Maluleka*, AI Bassa*, TN Mgoduso*, AH Moosa*, T Mhlari*, BS Tshabalala*, MP Tshisevhe*, G Rothschild* *Non-Executive Director Company Secretary – RN Kibuuka South African Airways SOC Ltd Reg. No. 1997/022444/30

     

  • Lufthansa and United first two carriers using platform to enhance customer experience

    FRANKFURT, Germany – February 8th, 2018 – Star Alliance has launched a Digital Services Platform (DSP) as a first step to an overall enhancement of digital and mobile services offered to customers travelling across the 28 airline member Star Alliance network. The platform was developed and implemented in conjunction with global professional services company Accenture (NYSE:ACN) as part of the Alliance’s strategy to further improve the customer journey.

    The DSP can gather data provided by an individual member airline or third-party source and make it available to all members, enabling them to build it into their own customer-facing digital applications. The longer-term aim is to allow customers to use any member airline’s website or mobile application to obtain all the information they need for travel on several Star Alliance member airlines.

    “Most frequent travellers have a ‘home airline’ in our network and would prefer to control their entire travel experience through a single app or website,” said Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh. “We are therefore working to create central capabilities that can be shared for use by our individual members.”

    Once a service offer is available from the DSP, member airlines can decide individually if and when they make it available to customers. For instance, a seat selection feature launched on February 2nd now allows a United Airlines customer to select a seat on Singapore Airlines flights booked via united.com or the United App. As a result, the customer travelling on fare types that include complimentary advance seat selection can choose a specific seat at time of reservation for the entire journey on United Airlines and Singapore Airlines, rather than only at time of check-in. This feature will be made available across the Alliance progressively.

    Lufthansa is also using the DSP technology to provide baggage tracking information for its customers on journeys that include flights on other Star Alliance airlines. The data is provided by the Star Alliance Baggage Hub which went into operation at the end of 2016. It collects relevant baggage information from a wide-range of sources and makes it available to all member carriers included in a passenger’s itinerary.
    In addition to helping develop and implement DSP, Accenture is supporting Star Alliance with on-going work to identify customer pain points and expectations. As part of DSP development, Accenture incorporated design thinking methodology that draws upon logic, imagination, intuition and systemic reasoning to explore possibilities of what could be and create desired outcomes benefitting the end user. Accenture leveraged its Liquid Studio - which is part of a global network of studios that focus on rapid application development approaches and applying disruptive technologies - at its Future Camp in Kronberg, Germany.

    Critical to the development of DSP services is to ideate, prototype and develop DSP features from a customer perspective. The aim is to identify these more frequent issues or areas for improvement that may arise when customers are travelling on one or more airline, as well as in the event of service disruptions.

    “A seamless travel experience for airline customers depends on an airline’s ability to participate in a broader travel ecosystem spanning the whole spectrum of the aviation, travel and tourism industry,” said Robert Zippel, who leads technology consulting within Accenture’s Travel industry practice. “Airlines need to embrace collaboration with their alliance member carriers and associated ecosystems to orchestrate a greater understanding of a traveller’s fast-changing requirements. By offering real-time data exchange and standardised applications to improve a customer’s travel experience for multiple carrier journeys and beyond, the Star Alliance DSP is a great example of a system that enables this kind of collaboration.”

    The DSP is an integral part of a wider Star Alliance strategy to place the customer at the centre of its activities, especially since today’s travellers are ‘always connected’, thanks to their mobile devices. Hence they expect services and information updates at their fingertips and to be able to take control of their own journey.

    In the airport environment, this means the Star Alliance is increasingly offering self-service technologies wherever possible, for example at passenger and baggage check-in as well as for boarding at the gate.
    In loyalty, improvements have already been implemented using IT Hub technologies. This includes, for example, a speedier crediting of mileage after a flight, as well as enabling customers to claim all missing mileage from Star Alliance member airline flights online, via the customer’s respective Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP). By the end of 2018, these member carrier FFP websites will allow customers to check flight availability and book redemption seats online for flights operated by all 28 Star Alliance member airlines.

    Star Alliance will continue to work with the member airlines to roll out further services and enhancements, focused on enabling customers to receive an improved digital experience on their interline journeys.

    About Star Alliance:

    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,400 daily flights to 1,300 airports in 191 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

    About Accenture:

    Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 435,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

    Further information can be obtained via:

    Star Alliance Press Office

    Tel: +49 69 96375 183
    Fax: +49 69 96375 683
    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com
    www.staralliance.com
    Twitter @staralliance https://twitter.com/staralliance
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/staralliance
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/star-alliance
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staralliancenetwork
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/staralliance/


    Accenture

    Cam Granstra
    +1 312 693 5992
    cameria.l.granstra@accenture.com

    Thomas Wittek
    +49 175 57-63105
    thomas.wittek@accenture.com

     

     

     

     
     
     
  • South African Airways introduces the new Airbus A330-300 on the Johannesburg to London route and rationalises frequency

    JOHANNESBURG, 1 February 2018 - South African Airways (SAA) has announced plans to introduce the new A330-300 on the London route from March 2018. The airline has also decided to adjust frequencies on the route to a single daily service. 

    “We have decided to focus on those areas of our business that will enhance our efficiencies, bring more value to our customers and produce improved overall performance of the airline. Network optimisation is one such area that can contribute towards containing our costs and we introduced some initiatives that must yield dividends to return the business to commercial sustainability in the shortest time possible,” said SAA CEO, Vuyani Jarana. 

    At the end of 2017, SAA announced network remediation on the domestic and regional markets and the airline has now turned its attention to its international network.

    “We have also decided to upgrade the service operating between Johannesburg and London Heathrow to the new Airbus A330-300 with effect from Sunday, 25 March 2018. This will afford customers a significantly improved on-board Business and Economy product, with state-of-the-art technology, increased comfort and capacity,” explained Jarana. 

    With effect from 20 April 2018, SAA will operate a single daily flight from Johannesburg to London Heathrow replacing the double daily service operating on the route currently.

     

    The new Airbus A330-300

    “Our announcement to introduce the new A330-300 on the very competitive London route next month is exciting and positive news for our customers,” added JaranaSAA took delivery of five new A330-300 aircraft last year.  The aircraft offers state-of-the-art technology; they are environmentally friendly and super-comfortable. The interiors are striking in warm, neutral colours to provide a comfortable, elegant and relaxed ambience, leaving customers feeling well rested.  The A330-300s offer more Business Class seats than any aircraft already in the SAA fleet. In total, the aircraft has capacity for 249 passengers, with 46 in Business Class and 203 in Economy Class. They are quieter than previous-generation aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics and navigation systems, and have ultra-fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent engines, resulting in lower fuel burn and, as a result, lower carbon emissions.

    Business Class experience

    Business Class on the new A330s is set to make customers between London and Johannesburg feel at home in their very own ‘living space’. Seating in Business Class cabins is in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, offering all customers a forward facing, lie-flat seat, increased privacy and direct access to the aisle.  To give customers the best possible viewing experience, each seat is fitted with its own high-tech, 15” easy-to-use touchscreen. 

    There is space for personal tablets to rest in the back of the seat and SAA introduced an app where customers can download additional entertainment before their flight.  Customers can of course continue to expect restaurant quality a-la-carte dining, served with award-winning South African wines.

     

     

    Economy Class experience

    Economy Class on the A330-300 is fitted with newly designed seats with personal space and generous legroom for travelling comfort. Each seat is fitted with a 10.1” high-resolution screen, individual USB charging ports, and access to shared PC power points, so customers can enjoy the latest movies and TV shows, on-demand. 

    Seating in the Economy cabin remains in the popular 2-4-2 configuration, continuing to ensure that customers are only ever one seat away from the aisle.  The A330s complement SAA’s existing Airbus long haul on the domestic/regional fleet, which include A320s that were delivered in 2015. 

    South African Airways network

    “We will continue to operate the daily non-stop SA234/SA235 service which offers customers convenient connections into and out of Johannesburg on SAA and our codeshare partners’ domestic and regional networks,” Jarana concluded. 

    SAA has leased the second Heathrow slot, giving the airline the flexibility to reinstate a second flight at the end of the lease period, providing the airline an opportunity to grow and develop in the future. 

    SAA has announced a flexible re-accommodation policy for customers currently booked on SA236/SA237 to switch onto the earlier SA234/SA235 service and enjoy the new aircraft.

    -ENDS-

     

    Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

    About South African Airways:

    South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers.

    For media information, please contact:

    SAA Spokesperson
    Mr Tlali Tlali
    Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com
    Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880
    Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

    Marketing Enquiries:

    Head of Marketing

    Ms Kim Thipe

    Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

    Mobile: +27 (0)83 263-7040

    Email: KimThipe@flysaa.com

     

    General Enquiries:

    Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

    Website: www.flysaa.com

    Twitter (Primary): @flysaa - https://twitter.com/flysaa

    Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care - https://twitter.com/flysaa_care

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

     

     

     

     
     
     
  • Globetrotting with just two stopovers now possible

    FRANKFURT, Germany – January 24th, 2018 – A whirlwind globetrotting trip, stopping only at two destinations for at least 24 hours, is now possible using selected Star Alliance Round the World (RTW) fares. Up to now, a minimum of three stopovers was required for all RTW tickets. This change increases the number of itineraries available under the RTW product for travel on the Star Alliance network.

    “By enabling round the world travel with only two stopovers, we are increasing the attractiveness of the Star Alliance Round the World fare product. Customers will now find it easier to build their bespoke routing choosing from the vast offer provided by our 28 member airlines, operating more than 18,400 daily flights, connecting 1,300 destinations in 191 countries”, said Janice Antonson, Vice President, Commercial and Communications, Star Alliance.

    Star Alliance RTW tickets can booked online at www.staralliance.com/en/book-fly. The “Star Alliance Book & Fly” tool is available in English, German and Japanese. It allows customers to plan their RTW journey from the comfort of their own home, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Those wishing to share their travel plans can do so via email or the integrated social media functionality. Once all flights have been booked, electronic tickets can be easily issued via the online tool. Alternatively customers can contact any Star Alliance member airline or a travel agent to book and purchase an RTW ticket.

    RTW fares are generally an attractive value for money proposition, especially when compared to individual one-way tickets on separate airlines for the same journey. The total price of an RTW ticket is dependent on class of travel, the precise itinerary, mileage and routing selected, as well as currency exchange rate fluctuations.
    In terms of distance, customers can create an individual itinerary covering up to 26,000, 29,000, 34,000 or 39,000 miles. To put these levels into perspective, the circumference of the Earth measured at the Equator is approximately 24,901 miles.

    Customers can build their own routings within the maximum mileage of the selected fare level. Travel needs to begin and end in the same country and be in one direction, either going East or West, although some zigzagging is permitted within a single continent. Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean must be crossed once.

    In addition to building an itinerary from scratch, customers can also choose from a range of themed RTW journeys, which include World Food, World Wonders, Architecture Hotspots, Nature Trail, Aquatic Wonders, Connecting Cultures, Natural Wonders, Sports Hotspots, Wine Tasting, Romantic Journey and Luxury Lifestyle. In this case, the tool automatically loads a suggested routing, which the customer can adapt to his or her needs. Full details can be found at http://www.staralliance.com/en/web/staralliance/inspiration.

    Stopovers of at least 24 hours must be made in a minimum of two cities and the overall itinerary may include up to 15 stops. As part of offering greater choice to RTW travellers, certain RTW special fares are also available, requiring at least three stopovers and allowing a maximum number of stops that range from five to 12.

    The Star Alliance RTW fares are available for travel in First, Business, Premium Economy or Economy Class and are valid for 12 months.

    Customers travelling on Star Alliance RTW fares may accrue miles* in any of the member carrier Frequent Flyer Programmes (FFP). The collected miles* may count towards earning Star Alliance Gold or Silver status and can be redeemed for example for free flights, upgrades, or hotel stays (subject to the terms and conditions of the individual FFP).

    More than half of RTW travellers fly in Business Class, more than a third opt for Economy Class and around eight per cent for First Class.

    * Some FFPs use other values than miles, such as for example points or Dollars

    STAR ALLIANCE ROUND THE WORLD FARES OVERVIEW

    Class Fare Basis Max Mileage Min Stops Max Stops Min Stay (days) Max Stay (months)
    FIRST FRWSTAR3 39,000 2 15 10 12
    FRWSTAR2 34,000 2 15 10 12
    FRWSTAR1 29,000 2 15 10 12
    BUSINESS CRWSTAR3 39,000 2 15 10 12
    CRWSTAR2 34,000 2 15 10 12
    CRWSTAR1 29,000 2 15 10 12
    CRWSPCL 26,000 3 15 10 12
    PREMIUM ECONOMY ERWSTAR3 39,000 2 15 10 12
    ERWSTAR2 34,000 2 15 10 12
    ERWSTAR1 29,000 2 15 10 12
    ECONOMY       YRWSTAR3 39,000 2 15 3 12
    YRWSPCL3 39,000 3 12 3 12
    YRWSTAR2 34,000 2 15 3 12
    YRWSPCL2 34,000 3 10 3 12
    YRWSTAR1 29,000 2 15 3 12
    YRWSPCL1 29,000 3 7 10 12
    YRWSPCL 26,000 3 5 10 12

    Notes to Editors:

    Total price can vary by market and final routings; please contact Star Alliance if you need to obtain a sample price.

     

    Full terms and conditions of RTW fares can be found at:

    http://www.staralliance.com/en/round-the-world?view=tc

    About Star Alliance:

    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,400 daily flights to 1,300 airports in 191 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.

    Further information can be obtained via:

    Star Alliance Press Office

    Tel: +49 69 96375 183

    Fax: +49 69 96375 683

    Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com

    www.staralliance.com

    Twitter @staralliance https://twitter.com/staralliance

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/staralliance

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/star-alliance
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staralliancenetwork

    Instagram: ht