aurora
Business Writer
South African Airways (SAA) plans to take to the skies again from 23 September this year, it said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
Harare is among the routes that SAA will, as an initial phase, operate flights to, from Johannesburg.
Other destinations include Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Lusaka and Maputo. More destinations will be added to the route network as the airline ramps up operations in response to market conditions, according to the statement.
“After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming on board our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to Covid-19 protocols,” said interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo.
“There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within Team SAA as we prepare for take-off, with one common purpose – to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental, and international airlines.
“The aviation sector is currently going through a testing period, and we are aware of the tough challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks,” said Kgokolo.
The airline is restarting with a formidable business case, according to SAA’s Board, John Lamola.
Lamola said the Department of Public Enterprises together with the Board and the Management team have been seized with planning for the relaunching of a restructured and fit for purpose airline that South Africans can again be proud of since the national carrier came out of business rescue at the end of April 2021.
Two weeks ago, SAA took delivery of two leased Airbus A320 passenger aircraft ahead of resuming flights.
Bongani Ndlovu