South African Airways facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
South African Airways

Founded	24 July 1929; 95 years ago (1929-07-24) (as Union Airways)
Commenced operations	1 February 1934; 91 years ago (1934-02-01) (as South African Airways)
Hubs	O. R. Tambo International Airport
Frequent-flyer program	Voyager
Alliance	Star Alliance
Subsidiaries	Air Chefs South African Airways Cargo South African Airways Technical
Fleet size	7
Destinations	13
Parent company	Department of Public Enterprises
Headquarters	Airways Park, O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Key people	Derek Hanekom (Chairman), John Lamola (Interim CEO)
Revenue	R26.023 billion (2018/19 FY)
Operating income	R–3.713 billion (2018/19 FY)
Profit	R–5.090 billion (2018/19 FY)
Total assets	R15.916 billion (2016/17 FY)
Employees	Group: 10,071 (2016/17 FY) SAA: 5,752 (2016/17 FY)

South African Airways (SAA) is the main airline of South Africa. It is often called the country's flag carrier. SAA started in 1934. Its main office is at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The airline flies to many places in Africa.

In April 2006, SAA joined Star Alliance. This made it the first African airline to join a major airline group. After facing money problems, SAA stopped flying for a while in 2020. But it started flying again on 23 September 2021. Even after its break, Skytrax named SAA the second-best airline in Africa in 2021.

Discovering South African Airways' Journey

South African Airways began in 1934. The South African government bought an airline called Union Airways. SAA was first managed by the South African Railways and Harbours Administration. During a time called apartheid, some African countries did not allow SAA to land. This meant SAA had to fly longer routes around the continent.

For a while, SAA was also known by its Afrikaans name, Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens (SAL). In 1997, SAA changed its name and the look of its planes. It also started offering online tickets. In 2006, SAA became a separate company from Transnet. It is still one of South Africa's largest government-owned businesses. SAA used to own Mango, a low-cost airline. It also worked closely with Airlink and South African Express. SAA is a proud member of the Star Alliance.

In 1986, the South African Airways Museum Society opened. It is located at O. R. Tambo International Airport. This group was started by SAA employees and others. Their goal is to save South African aviation history. They especially focus on SAA's own story. The museum has many aircraft in its collection.

How SAA Started and Its Early Flights

SAA started operations with a number of acquired Union Airways aircraft, including the Junkers F.13, similar to the one pictured.

The Douglas DC-4 Skymaster was introduced in May 1946, on which SAA's first in-flight films were shown. This aircraft, registration ZS-AUB, is in Berlin (May 2000).

SAA Lockheed Constellation arriving at Heathrow in 1953.

An SAA Boeing 707 sits alongside a BOAC Vickers VC10 at London Heathrow Airport (1977).

South African Airways began on 1 February 1934. This happened after the South African government bought Union Airways. SAA took over 40 staff members and several planes. These planes included de Havilland Moths and Junkers F.13s. The government then changed the airline's name to South African Airways. It was managed by the South African Railways and Harbours Administration.

In 1935, SAA bought Suidwes Lugdiens / South West Airways. This airline had been flying mail between Windhoek and Kimberley. SAA also ordered three Junkers Ju 52/3m planes. These planes could carry 14 passengers. They helped SAA start more flights, including routes from Durban to Johannesburg.

On 1 July 1935, SAA moved its main operations to Rand Airport. Johannesburg was becoming a big aviation centre. SAA's flights grew quickly. By May 1940, all flights were stopped because of World War II. After the war, SAA started flying again. It used Lockheed Lodestars for domestic flights.

On 10 November 1945, SAA made its first flight to Europe. An Avro York plane landed in Bournemouth, England. Later, Douglas DC-4 planes replaced the Avro Yorks. In 1950, Lockheed Constellation planes took over international routes.

Growing Bigger: 1946–1952

On 10 November 1945, SAA started its first flights between continents. This was called the Springbok Service. It took three days to fly from Palmietfontein to Bournemouth, England. The airline started with one flight a week. But soon, it flew six times a week because many people wanted to travel.

In May 1946, the Douglas DC-4 Skymaster started flying. It flew between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Around the same time, air hostesses (flight attendants) were introduced. They first worked on flights within South Africa. Then, they worked on the Springbok Services.

In 1948, Palmietfontein Airport became SAA's main hub. In June 1948, SAA started showing films on its Skymaster planes. In August 1950, SAA received four Lockheed Constellation planes. These were its first planes with pressurised cabins. They flew to London's Heathrow airport. These new planes were faster and could fly further.

The Jet Age Begins: 1953–1973

The age of jet planes arrived in South Africa on 3 May 1952. A BOAC de Havilland Comet landed in Palmietfontein. It had flown from England in 24 hours. SAA rented two Comet planes from BOAC in October 1953. SAA crews flew these planes.

In 1956, SAA introduced the Douglas DC-7B. This was a very fast propeller plane. SAA used it for long flights between Johannesburg and London. It made only one stop in Khartoum. This flight took 21 hours.

SAA ordered three Boeing 707-320 jet planes in 1958. The first one arrived on 1 July 1960. On 1 October 1960, the Boeing 707 started flying on the Springbok Service. This cut the flight time to London down to 13 hours. The 707 also brought a new look for SAA planes. They had an orange tail with blue and white colours. In 1967, a 707 replaced the DC-7B on the Wallaby Route to Australia. Flights to New York, via Rio de Janeiro, started in 1969.

During this time, many African countries did not allow SAA to fly over their land. This meant SAA planes had to take long detours. In 1968, SAA started using the Boeing 727 jet. This plane was good for airports like Johannesburg, which is high up.

On 13 March 1968, SAA ordered five Boeing 747-200B planes. The first one arrived on 22 October 1971. It was named Lebombo. These "Jumbo Jets" became very popular. SAA eventually had 23 of these large planes. This included the Boeing 747SP, which could fly very long distances. The 747SP was special because it could fly non-stop from Seattle to Cape Town. This was a record for airliner distance until 1989. As the 747s arrived, the older 707s were changed to carry both passengers and cargo. By 1972, all of SAA's Vickers Viscount planes were sold. They were replaced by Boeing 737s.

Growing More: 1974–1983

SAA started flying to Asia in June 1974. Boeing 707 flights went to Hong Kong. In 1980, SAA began non-stop flights to Taipei using a Boeing 747SP.

Because some African countries did not allow SAA to fly over their land, SAA had to fly around Africa. This added almost 3000 kilometres to the journey. Other European airlines were allowed to fly directly over Africa to South Africa.

On 26 December 1980, the last SAA Boeing 707 flight took place. It flew between Paris and Johannesburg. The 707s were replaced by the Airbus A300. The 727s were also replaced by the more fuel-efficient Boeing 737s by 1983.

Changes Due to Apartheid: 1985–1990

During the 1980s, many countries were against apartheid in South Africa. This led to problems for SAA. In 1986, the US stopped all flights by South African airlines. In 1987, SAA's flights to Australia ended.

A Boeing 747-400 "ZS-SAW" painted in the pre–1997 orange, blue and white livery, and featuring the Afrikaans name of the airline SAL (Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens) (1998)

A Boeing 747SP (2001) (now on display at the South African Airways Museum at Rand Airport)

When apartheid ended in 1990, SAA started flying to new places in Africa and Asia. On 1 June 1990, rules for domestic air travel changed. Flights to New York City started again in November 1991. SAA planes could now fly over Egypt and Sudan. The airline also started flights to Milan and Athens again.

The first of SAA's eight Boeing 747-400s arrived in South Africa in January 1991. It was named Durban. These planes could fly non-stop from South Africa to the east coast of the United States. SAA also bought the Airbus A320. This was the world's first commercial "fly-by-wire" plane. It helped with flights within South Africa and to nearby countries. Boeing 767s arrived in 1993. They flew to African, Southern European, and Middle Eastern places.

In 1992, SAA started flights to Miami. It also returned to Australia, flying non-stop to Perth. SAA made agreements with American Airlines and Air Tanzania. There were also non-stop flights to Bangkok and Singapore. SAA also formed a partnership with Uganda Airlines and Air Tanzania. On domestic flights, SAA greeted passengers in four languages: English, Zulu, Afrikaans, and Sotho.

On 24 April 1994, South African Express (SA Express) began flying. This airline helped SAA by taking over some shorter domestic routes. In 1995, Lufthansa started working with SAA. SAA also changed its image. SAA's Voyager and American Airlines' AAdvantage frequent flyer clubs joined up. By April 1996, South African Airways had 11,100 employees. It owned 48 planes and flew to 34 places.

A New Look: 1997–2005

Boeing 747-300 Ndizani at Perth Airport (2003)

In 1997, SAA changed its logo and plane colours. The old "Flying Springbok" symbol was replaced. The new design used colours from the new national flag. One of SAA's 747-300 planes, named Ndizani, was painted in bright colours. This special plane took South African athletes to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The airline also started selling tickets online.

In 1998, flights to Copenhagen Airport stopped. A new CEO, Coleman Andrews, was hired. He made many changes to the airline. He was known for helping other airlines. During his first 18 months, SAA's value grew a lot.

In 1999, Transnet sold 20% of SAA to Swissair. But in 2002, the South African government bought these shares back. Swissair's many airline purchases eventually led to its own financial problems.

In 2000, SAA ordered 21 Boeing 737-800s. These planes were for shorter flights. In 2002, SAA ordered new planes from Airbus. This was a big order, costing about US$3.5 billion. It included 11 A319s, 15 A320s, nine A340-600s, and six A340-300s. The new Airbus A319s replaced older Boeing 737-200 planes.

Later in 2002, SAA bought a 49% share in Air Tanzania. This showed SAA wanted to grow in eastern Africa. But this partnership ended in 2006.

"New" Business Class seat on display in 2006

On 1 February 2000, South African Airways and Delta Air Lines started sharing flights. This meant they sold tickets on each other's flights. In 2001, SAA won an award for Best Cargo Airline to Africa. It also signed a deal with Nigeria Airways.

In March 2004, SAA applied to join Star Alliance. The alliance accepted its application in June. SAA became a full member in April 2006. In July 2004, Andre Viljoen resigned as CEO. Khaya Ngqula was appointed as the new CEO in August 2004. In 2005, SAA became the first non-Saudi airline to fly direct to Medina for the Hadj.

In July 2005, SAA started flights from Johannesburg to Washington, D.C. It stopped in Accra. Later, Dakar replaced Accra as the stop. In 2010, SAA stopped using its Boeing 747-400 planes. On 6 June 2006, the agreement between SAA and Delta Air Lines ended. This was because they joined different airline alliances.

Changes and Star Alliance: 2006–2011

South African Airways logo used until 2019.

The South African government planned to separate SAA from its parent company, Transnet. SAA joined Star Alliance on 10 April 2006. It was the first African airline to do so. To celebrate, one Airbus A340-600 and one Boeing 737-800 were painted in Star Alliance colours.

A Boeing 747-400 (ZS-SAX) at London Heathrow Airport in the old colour scheme. This type of aircraft was permanently retired in 2010.

In May 2007, SAA started a big plan to become profitable. This plan included separating businesses into seven smaller companies. SAA wanted to focus on flying passengers and cargo. It also stopped using its Boeing 747-400 planes. Some international routes, like Paris, were stopped. This plan was expected to save a lot of money.

Two retired 747-400s were brought back in 2008 for flights to Lagos and Luanda. In June 2008, SAA extended its sponsorship with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). This deal was worth $20 million.

In February 2010, Siza Mzimela became SAA's first female CEO. She had been the CEO of South African Express. In April 2010, she took over the position. At the end of 2010, SAA permanently stopped using its two Boeing 747-400s. SAA rented two used Airbus A340-300s to replace them.

Challenges and Restart: 2012–Present

An Airbus A340-300 approaching Perth Airport (2019)

A since phased-out Airbus A350-900 in the current colour scheme arriving in New York (2020)

On 24 February 2012, SAA's new Airbus A320-200 made its first flight. It flew between Johannesburg and Durban. In August 2012, SAA stopped its Cape Town-London route after 20 years. This was because fewer passengers were flying and airport fees were increasing.

SAA started flights to Beijing, China, in January 2012. Flights to Buenos Aires ended in 2013. In January 2015, SAA planned to stop non-stop flights to Beijing and Mumbai. Air China, a Star Alliance partner, took over flights to Beijing. In June 2015, SAA said that only London, New York City, Hong Kong, Munich, Frankfurt, and Perth were profitable long-haul routes.

In September 2017, SAA started reducing its number of planes and flights. The South African government provided money to help SAA with its debts.

In December 2019, the South African government announced that SAA would enter a special process to fix its money problems. The airline had not made a profit since 2011. In January 2020, SAA stopped several routes, like to Munich, to save money. In February 2020, the airline brought in its first of four new Airbus A350-900s. This was to update its long-haul planes.

In April 2020, the South African government said it would stop funding the airline. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline then planned to lay off all its staff. This made people worry that SAA might close down. By May 2020, all SAA staff were on unpaid leave.

On 2 May 2020, the government announced that SAA would stop operations. It said a new national airline would be created. However, a legal process delayed this. In July, creditors agreed to a plan to restructure the airline. This helped SAA avoid closing completely.

In September 2020, SAA stopped all flights again. This was until more money could be found. In October 2020, the government said it was looking for partners to help the airline. The government gave SAA R10.5 billion to help it recover. During 2020, SAA returned many of its planes to their owners. This included Airbus A319s, A320s, A330s, A340s, and A350s. Its Boeing 737 cargo planes also left the fleet.

By February 2021, the South African government was talking with three possible investors. They wanted to restart the airline with fewer employees.

SAA's Relaunch: 2021–Present

In June 2021, the South African government gave up its main ownership of the airline. After many talks, they chose the Takatso Consortium. This group now owns 51% of SAA. The government still owns 49%. The Takatso Consortium includes Harith General Partners and Global Airways. Harith General Partners is led by Jabulani Moleketi. The Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, said SAA would get R3 billion in new investment.

In October 2022, SAA added two more Airbus A320-200 planes. It also added new routes from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Windhoek, Namibia.

On 31 October 2023, SAA started flying to São Paulo in Brazil again. This was its first inter-continental flight since the pandemic began. SAA will also start flights to Perth in April 2024.

SAA's Main Office

Airways Park, the head office of South African Airways

South African Airways' main office is called Airways Park. It is located at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park. This building was finished in March 1997. It cost R70 million. The building is 27,000 square metres. It connects to three older buildings.

SAA moved its main office from Durban to Rand Airport in Germiston on 1 July 1935. Before its current location, the airline's main office was in the Airways Towers in Johannesburg.

SAA's Performance Over Time

This table shows how the South African Airways group (including SAA, Mango, SAA Technical, and Air Chefs) has performed. The numbers are from their yearly reports. There might be some small differences because reports can change. No numbers have been shared since December 2019.

SAA Emblems Through the Years

South African Airways' "Flying Springbok" logo was the airline's symbol from 1934 to 1997. This logo was stopped in 1997 for a new look. But the word "Springbok" is still used as the airline's radio callsign.

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  1934-1948

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  1948-1971

• 

  1971-1997

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See also

In Spanish: South African Airways para niños