South African Airways (SAA) will launch new routes from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam this November, marking another step in the airline’s steady post-COVID recovery.
In a media release on September 10, Interim CEO Professor John Lamola highlighted the airline’s remarkable growth since returning to the skies in 2021. Over the past two years, SAA’s fleet has expanded from six to 16 aircraft, with routes increasing from six to 15. Passenger revenue also surged by 400% between August 2022 and August 2024.
“We’ve reopened 11 outstations, including Mauritius, Perth, and São Paulo. Employment has grown from 500 to around 1,200 staff, with 140 pilots now on board,” Lamola noted.
SAA’s financial recovery is notable, with revenue up 49% in the 2023/24 financial year, reaching R7.3 billion (€370 million). However, global aircraft supply issues have delayed the delivery of three aircraft, leading SAA to rely on wet-leased planes from Sun Express for the upcoming December peak season.
Despite these challenges, SAA remains optimistic, projecting a net profit for 2024 and preparing for further growth. The airline’s shift to the Department of Transport and ongoing discussions about a potential strategic equity partner signal a focus on long-term expansion and capital investment.
