We are kicking off the August edition of the newsletter in tandem with a range of sporting codes and tournaments, including the Paralympics and Olympic games. We trust that the SAA-ferried 'Team South Africa' will represent the country with pride and gusto during the games. The long-awaited southern hemisphere-contested Rugby Championship (previously known as the Tri-Nations) gets underway from 18 August with the inaugural participation of Argentina from this year onwards. Rugby enthusiasts can make use of SAA's direct flights to Buenos Aires to catch the Springboks compete in Latin America.

Nestled on the right bank of the mighty Congo River lies the sultry capital of the Congo Republic, Brazzaville: SAA's next destination in further enhancing the airline's strategy of route network expansion into Africa. Direct flights to the bustling capital city of the Congo commence on 13 September 2012. As of 17 August 2012, SAA will also re-introduce the Johannesburg - Abidjan (Ivory Coast) route via Accra reaffirming Johannesburg as a growing hub - connecting the world to the rest of Africa.

August marks Women's Month in South Africa where we pay homage to the women of this country in their entirety. With this in mind, this is an opportune time to make use of our hotel and lifestyle Voyager partners to show appreciation to the women in our lives.

The first half of the year has practically flown by, it is only befitting to assess if your goals are on track as planned for at the beginning of the year and in this case, your Voyager tier status. The higher your tier status in the programme, the more rewards available so kindly review the 'Tier Status and Benefits' page on www.flysaa.com to ensure you are well on your way to achieving or maintaining the desired status.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal members in once again showing your appreciation of our service and your continued support, which saw us bagging the Skytrax Awards for the Best Airline in Africa for the tenth consecutive time as well as Best Staff Service in Africa.

Earn Double Miles with Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts and Lungarno Collection. Stay at any resort or hotel between 11 August & 30 September 2012 and earn double Miles for your stay (1,000). Choose from a luxurious selection of accommodation across the USA, India, Australia, Italy and China amongst many other fantastic destinations.

Terms and conditions:

Please note that the Yacht Club & Residences and the Yacht are not included in the Double Miles offer from Lungarno Collection.

As an airline that keeps track of developments within the aviation industry that could positively influence the way our customers feel about flying with us, we are introducing changes to our baggage policy.

Effective 5 September 2012 we will be moving to a piece concept baggage policy across our route network, from the previous weight concept. Click here for details.

Your Voyager Miles can get you a lot further when you rent with Avis via www.flysaa.com

Did you know that you can get even more value when redeeming your Voyager Miles with Avis?

You can now rent with Avis from 6 500* Miles per day! Click here www.flysaa.com to find out more today.

Book now

*Terms and Conditions apply. 6 500 miles for Group A, limited waivers, 100 free kms, airport, tax and tourism levy. Customer to pay for all extras by credit card. All certificates must be redeemed with Voyager. All T's & C's apply.

The beauty of Cape Town and the golden beaches of Durban are waiting to welcome you this Women's Month. Whether you are spending it with your family or friends there is a SunBreaks offer guaranteed to suit your pocket.

Breakfast is included and kids under 18 sharing a room with two adults stay and eat breakfast free.

As a SAA Voyager member you stand a chance to win a 2 nights weekend stay for two at any Tsogo Sun Hotel if you book and stay during the month of August (1 - 31 August 2012)

Book now!

Terms and conditions:

SAA Voyager members must book and stay at any Tsogo Sun hotel during the month of August to qualify for the competition

Normal Tsogo Sun terms and conditions apply.

Voyager members must present their Voyager card or valid Voyager number upon check in.

The validity of the prize is 6 months, subject to availability at time of booking. (Excludes long weekends, school holidays and peak season)

Independence Arch � Accra, Ghana

SAA will be re-introducing flights to Abidjan via Accra as from 17 August 2012:

The flight schedule will be as follows:

Johannesburg-Accra-Abidjan

DAYS: Tuesday and Friday

Aircraft type: 332

Note: Days Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Johannesburg-Accra-Johannesburg remain unchanged

Abidjan

Voyager members earn Miles as follow:

- 50% Miles will be earned in discounted economy class fares
( T V L W G )
- 25% bonus Miles will be earned in business class fares

Voyager Redemption:

Abidjan falls under Africa 2, on the SAA award chart. Members will be able to use awards between Accra and Abidjan, which falls in the 'Travel between Africa 2' zone on the SAA award chart.

SAA will be launching flights to Brazzaville from 13 September 2012:

Flight schedule will be as follows:

Johannesburg - Brazzaville - Johannesburg Effective 13 Sep 12

Brazzaville

Aircraft type: 319

Voyager Members earn Miles as follows:

- 50% Miles will be earned in discounted economy class fares
(T V L W G)
- 25% bonus Miles will be earned in business class fares

Voyager Redemption:

Brazzaville falls under Africa 1, on the SAA award chart.

10 Skytrax Awards in a Row! Thanks for All Your Support!

We have done it again!

For the tenth consecutive year - a whole decade - we are the proud winner of the Skytrax Award for Best Airline in Africa. We have also won the Best Staff Service in Africa Award for the third year in a row.

These are awards that we are especially proud of, as every year; all airlines are voted for by their customers in this on-line customer satisfaction survey which runs for 12 months. And you have once again put us up there.

Please note that SAA and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are expanding their code-share agreement to include code-sharing between Hong Kong and Nagoya in Japan. SAA already code-shares on ANA's services between Hong Kong and Narita; and Hong Kong and Osaka; while ANA code-shares on SAA's trunk route between Johannesburg and Hong Kong. The expanded partnership means more convenient bookings and connections for customers travelling between South Africa, other destinations within our African network and Japan.

The destination will be open for sale on 1 August 2012 and the effective travel date is also scheduled for 1 August 2012.