South African Airways
South African Airways is the national flag carrier airline of South Africa. The airline is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates domestic, regional and international passenger and cargo services from its hub at OR Tambo International Airport. South African Airways was founded in 1934, making it one of the oldest airlines in the world and the continent's first national carrier. The airline has historically served routes across Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, though its network has contracted significantly in recent years. South African Airways is a state-owned enterprise that has been wholly owned by the South African government since its founding. The carrier has faced severe financial difficulties for more than a decade, requiring repeated government bailouts and operating at a loss for most years since 2011. In December 2019, South African Airways entered business rescue, a form of bankruptcy protection under South African law, after the government indicated it would no longer provide unlimited financial support. The airline suspended all commercial flights in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and remained grounded for more than a year. South African Airways has featured prominently in investigations into State Capture, with allegations of corruption, mismanagement and irregular procurement involving major consultancies and suppliers. The airline resumed limited operations in September 2021 under a restructured business model with a significantly reduced fleet and route network.
South African Airways Updates
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, opening remarks at the Kenya State Visit, Pretoria (04/06/2026)
4th June 2026 Ours is a relationship rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for democracy, peace and prosperity across Africa. This visit... →
Ramaphosa punts future-focused industries as SA, Kenya deepen partnership
By: Thabi Shomolekae 4th June 2026 South Africa and Kenya are accelerating bilateral cooperation across emerging sectors, including green energy, AI, and digital trade to boost... →
DA calls for Parliamentary hearing on SAA safety and SACAA oversight failures
25th May 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) will call for an urgent hearing before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport following growing concerns over... →
SAA to adjust airfares as jet fuel prices increase amid Middle East conflict
By: Sabrina Jardim 12th March 2026 As conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, with implications for global jet fuel supply and pricing, local airline South African Airways... →
McKinsey says recovery from South Africa scandals to take years
By: Bloomberg 4th December 2025 Rebuilding McKinsey & Co.’s reputation in South Africa after it was implicated in state corruption scandals will be a long process, its top... →
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