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South African Airways Group airlines, South African Airways (SAA) and Mango, its low-cost subsidiary, announced plans to rationalise their route network for improved efficiencies and optimal aircraft utilisation through a revised airline brand schedule. This will see additional Mango operated flights for the domestic market.

The rationalisation programme follows an earlier announcement in September, where the airline announced network changes as part of the progressive implementation of its turnaround plan. These initiatives form part of the Five-year turnaround plan to return the business to commercial sustainability in the shortest time possible.

Both SAA and Mango currently offer 200 return flights per week between Johannesburg and Durban and 278 return flights per week between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

To enhance efficiencies and to provide more diverse offering to customers, whilst responding to demand, the two airline brands will ensure seamless implementation of the revised schedule with effect from 15 January 2018. Once fully implemented Mango will operate 132 return flights on the Johannesburg - Durban route and 116 return flights on the Johannesburg - Cape Town route per week. SAA will operate 68 return flights between Johannesburg and Durban, and 162 return flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The SAA group will continue to offer customers the option to travel on the product of their choice, making it much more convenient for them to choose their preferred service and schedule.

“We have reviewed our offerings informed by performance, demand and market conditions. We are satisfied that the changes we introduce will be of mutual benefit to our customers and to the SAA Group. A commercially strong SAA Group offers customers improved efficiencies and schedule integrity,” says SAA CEO, Vuyani Jarana.

“These changes are a Group effort and demonstrate our commitment to strengthen the Group commercially.  Mango remains committed to service excellence and our brand values of innovation, operational efficiency and excellence in customer service,” says Nic Vlok, Mango’s Acting CEO.

The changes will be reflected in all the SAA and Mango distribution systems with effect from 12 December 2017.

Whilst a seamless booking change is anticipated, assistance will be provided to all ticketed passengers holding South African Airways’ Tickets (only) via any SAA Call Centre, City Travel Office or dedicated Travel Agent with the following conditions.

Rebooking Conditions applicable

• Rebook onto another South African Airways (SA) flight for a later date at no extra charge and subject to availability of the same booking class.
• Change of cabin will not be permitted
• This policy is applicable to South African Airways flights only, issued on SA (083) ticket stock on or before 12 December and not on separate tickets of other airlines
• Tickets must be re-issued on or before 31 December 2017

Mango flights will operate on Boeing 737-800s and SAA will discontinue operating Airbus A340-600s on the Johannesburg- Cape Town route.

Members of Voyager, SAA’s frequent flyer programme, will continue to earn Miles on Mango operated flights if booked on the SAA code and will continue to enjoy the SAA baggage allowance, lounge access and a seamless transfer on to the regional and international network services of SAA. Voyager members can also spend their Miles on Mango operated flights, by utilising Miles or a combination of Miles and a range of payment options.
 

Issued by SAA