South Africa Airways (SAA) is set to take to the skies again on September 23, 2021, with the airline announcing “the wait is finally over.”
SAA will initially operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo. It said more destinations will be added as it increases services, depending on market conditions. Image: South African Airways
SAA has gone through a lengthy restructuring process to get to this stage. The airline said: “In just under a month, the striking and familiar livery of SAA will once again be visible in the skies as the airline resumes operations.”
The airline entered business rescue, similar to a Chapter 11 restructuring process, in December 2019. Flights have been grounded since September 2020.
Since April 2021, the airline has been taking the necessary steps to fly again, including signing a deal with pilots and gaining approval for its air operator’s certificate.
“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 interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo.