South African Airways

As the most experienced global airline serving the African continent, South African Airways has re-focused its attention on meeting passenger needs travelling to and within Africa. As part of a year-long process, SAA has added new routes, fine-tuned fare structures and continued to invest in new equipment and services to maintain its reputation as Africa’s leading airline.

Now in its 75th year of operations, SAA is one of the oldest, continuously operating airlines in the world. Despite the global financial crisis and recession affecting countries around the world, SAA has continued to enjoy strong patronage and business and recreational tourist interest in visiting Africa remains strong.

In terms of new routes, SAA has opened up new destinations and capacity in the last year to Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, Mumbai, Munich, Perth, Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls and Mauritius while continuing to maintain its competitive edge on exiting routes to Europe, the United States, Asia-Pacific and South America. Its expansion within Africa continues with new routes and capacity.

SAA’s relationship with STAR, the world’s largest airline alliance, has continued to provide benefits to passengers who can take advantage of comprehensive round-the-world and multi-destination routes including the largest network in both Southern and North Africa.

SAA’s fleet includes 49 aircraft and the airline flies to 35 destinations across the globe.  All business class seats in SAA’s flagship A340 international fleet now feature the award-winning lie-flat leather and fabric capsule that offers a 73" pitch , privacy screen, a 10.4" private entertainment screen and lumbar support.

In economy class seats have been upgraded with better seat pitch and individual video screens for each passenger. Catering options have also been enhanced and check-in facilities for all classes are more streamlined with online check-in available in all major countries.

For 2009 and into 2010, SAA is looking forward to the major international focus that will come from the Soccer World Cup to be held in South Africa.