79-619: South African Airways ( SAA ) is the flag carrier of South Africa . Founded in 1934, the airline is headquartered in Airways Park at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and operates a hub-and-spoke network, serving 13 destinations in Africa and two intercontinental destinations to Perth , Australia and São Paulo , Brazil . The carrier joined Star Alliance in April 2006, making it
158-624: A public company or a state-owned enterprise , while others have been completely privatized . The aviation industry has also been gradually deregulated and liberalized, permitting greater freedoms of the air particularly in the United States and in the European Union with the signing of the Open Skies agreement. One of the features of such agreements is the right of a country to designate multiple airlines to serve international routes with
237-468: A 3-stop flight from Seattle . It was placed into service in December and proved very popular. SAA eventually operated 23 brand-new "Jumbo Jets", including the −200M (first delivered in 1980), −300 (1983), −400, and the long-range Boeing 747SP , first delivered on 18–19 March 1976, with a nonstop delivery flight of ZS-SPA from Everett, Washington, USA to Cape Town. The 747SP, especially, was acquired to overcome
316-570: A 51% controlling stake and 49% remaining with the State. After almost three years of protracted negotiations, the government terminated the SEP with Takatso, reverting back to the status quo of a 100% state-owned SAA. The South African Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on 4 August 2021 that SAA's air operator's certificate had been reissued with an approved fleet of eight aircraft. The airline restarted operations on 23 September 2021, despite not having concluded
395-613: A 707. The first 707 of SAA landed in Europe in October 1961 with a nine-hour flight to Athens . The jets arrived during a period when most African countries, except SA's neighbours, denied South African airlines the use of their airspace , necessitating long detours. In 1967 the Skymasters, Constellations and DC-7Bs were being retired, replaced by the Boeing 727 trijet the following year to complement
474-574: A Boeing 747SP; Mauritius had earlier replaced the Seychelles for the Hong Kong service. South Africa became one of the few countries in the world to recognize the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan . Because some African countries denied SAA the use of their airspace, SAA bypassed the 'bulge' of Africa, usually via Ilha do Sal - a detour of almost 3,000 kilometres (1,900 mi). Another bypass
553-588: A South African arms manufacturer, in an attempt to circumvent a UN arms embargo placed on apartheid South Africa. On 28 November 1987, South African Airways Flight 295 , a Boeing 747 -200 Combi en route from Taipei to Johannesburg with a stopover in Mauritrius experienced a catastrophic in-flight fire in the cargo area, broke up in mid-air, and crashed into the Indian Ocean east of Mauritius, killing all 159 people on board. Ignition of an ammonium perchlorate cargo,
632-783: A certificate under Section 401 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (i.e., any U.S.-based airline operating internationally), and any ship registered in the United States is known as a U.S. flag vessel . The term "flag carrier" is a legacy of the early days of commercial aviation when governments often took the lead by establishing state-owned airlines because of the high capital costs of running them. However, not all such airlines were government-owned; Pan Am , TWA , Cathay Pacific , Union de Transports Aériens , Canadian Pacific Air Lines and Olympic Airlines were all privately owned, but were considered to be flag carriers as they were
711-481: A chemical used as a missile propellant, is theorized by forensic scientists to have caused the fire. With the demise of apartheid in 1990, SAA started services to former and new destinations in Africa and Asia. On 1 June 1990, South African companies signed a domestic air travel deregulation act. Flights to New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport resumed in November 1991 and SAA's planes were able to fly for
790-423: A codesharing agreement with SAA, and SAA commissioned Diefenbach Elkins and Herdbuoys to lead its change of image. SAA's Voyager and American Airlines ' AAdvantage frequent flier clubs joined. As of April 1996, South African employed 11,100 people, of whom 3,100 were engineers. It owned and operated 48 aircraft, and served 34 destinations from its hubs at Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. In 1997, SAA replaced
869-501: A further 18 locomotives that are waiting to be shipped to South Africa. Transnet subsequently terminated its contracts with Brian Molefe and his successor Siyabonga Gama. A forensic report states Molefe misled the Transnet board into approving costs. Molefe and three others increased the locomotive deal by at least R16 billion to R54 billion. By late 2018, both were under criminal investigation. The organisation fired Gama in October 2018 on
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#1732851923545948-448: A given sovereign state , enjoys preferential rights or privileges accorded by the government for international operations. Historically, the term was used to refer to airlines owned by the government of their home country and associated with the national identity of that country. Such an airline may also be known as a national airline or a national carrier , although this can have different legal meanings in some countries. Today, it
1027-518: A leased Junkers F13 and Junkers A50 were among the acquired aircraft. Upon acquisition, the government changed the airline's name to South African Airways . It then came under control of the South African Railways and Harbours Administration (now Transnet ). Charter operations started that year. On 1 February the following year, the carrier acquired Suidwes Lugdiens / South West Airways (now Air Namibia ), which had since 1932 been providing
1106-692: A longtime company goal by operating a route to Europe when an Avro York landed in Bournemouth , England, after the long flight from Palmietfontein Airport near Johannesburg. These were replaced by the Douglas DC-4 from 1946 onwards, which in turn was replaced by the Lockheed Constellation on international routes in 1950. Also of note in the postwar era was the DC-3 Dakota, of which eight served with SAA,
1185-671: A rampage. The US Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 banned all flights by South African–owned carriers, including SAA. In 1987, SAA's services to Perth and Sydney in Australia were ended, in light of the Australian Government's opposition to apartheid. In January 1992, the journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) reported that the SAA had allegedly confirmed that its passenger jets had carried cargo for Armscor ,
1264-662: A sale agreement with Swissair in which Transnet sold 20% of its shareholding in SAA to Swissair for R1.4 billion and also included an option to sell and transfer a further 10% to Swissair, thereby increasing its stake to 30%. In 2002, the South African government repurchased the shares. Swissair's costly purchases of SAA's and many other large international airlines' shares led directly to its own shocking bankruptcy filing, on 1 April 2002. In 2000, SAA ordered 21 Boeing 737-800s , reportedly worth US$ 680 million. Five CFM 56-7B27 -powered examples were requested outright from Boeing ,
1343-512: A same-day return "shuttle" service to Sydney. This year also saw codesharing agreements with American Airlines and Air Tanzania . There were nonstop flights to Bangkok and Singapore ; the latter were discontinued by 1996. The airline Alliance, a partnership between SAA, Uganda Airlines and Air Tanzania , also began. SAA greeted its passengers in four different languages during domestic flights: English, Zulu , Afrikaans and Sotho , while passengers on international flights were also greeted in
1422-581: A spot on the Zagat Survey 's top-ten international airlines list, opened a new website and named Andre Viljoen as chief executive officer (CEO). In March 2004, South African Airways announced its application to join Star Alliance . The airline alliance accepted its application in June, with SAA joining as a full member in April 2006. In July 2004, Andre Viljoen resigned as CEO of SAA. In August 2004, Khaya Ngqula
1501-611: A weekly air-mail service between Windhoek and Kimberley . During this time, SAA ordered three Junkers Ju 52/3m aircraft, which were delivered in October 1934 and entered service 10 days later. These aircraft were configured to carry 14 passengers, along with four crew. They enabled thrice-weekly Durban– Johannesburg services, with weekly services on the Durban – East London – Port Elizabeth –George/ Mossel Bay – Cape Town route. On 1 July 1935, SAA moved its operations to Rand Airport as it became increasingly obvious that Johannesburg would become
1580-541: Is a member of the Star Alliance . In 1986, the South African Airways Museum Society opened its doors to the public at Jan Smuts International Airport (which was renamed O. R. Tambo International Airport in 2006). The organisation was formed by South African Airways employees and outside parties with the mission of preserving South African aviation history, especially that of SAA itself. Based at Transvaal Aviation Club, Rand Airport , Germiston , it
1659-422: Is any international airline with a strong connection to its home country or that represents its home country internationally, regardless of whether it is government-owned. Flag carriers may also be known as such due to laws requiring aircraft or ships to display the state flag of the country of their registry . For example, under the law of the United States, a U.S. flag air carrier is any airline that holds
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#17328519235451738-570: Is the biggest division of Transnet. It is a heavy haul freight rail company that specializes in the transportation of freight. It is the biggest outside United States and excluding India that is not a company but a Government Department. Transnet Engineering is dedicated to in-service maintenance, repair, upgrade, conversion and manufacture of freight wagons, mainline and suburban coaches, diesel and electric locomotives as well as wheels, rotating machines, rolling stock equipment, castings auxiliary equipment and services. Railways were first developed in
1817-519: The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta . The airline started online ticket sales and formed an alliance with SA Airlink and SA Express . In 1998, services to Copenhagen Airport were stopped. A new airline president and CEO, Coleman Andrews, was appointed. The arrival of the American saw a comprehensive and controversial overhaul of the airline, changing the management of SAA. Mr Andrews was hired by Transnet,
1896-511: The Airbus A300 , which had entered revenue service in 1976. The 727s were eliminated by 1983, replaced by the more economical Boeing 737 . When countries withdrew landing rights for SAA, the airline leased its aircraft and crews to Canada, Mauritius, Brazil, Morocco and Luxembourg. Due to international opposition to apartheid during the 1980s, SAA's offices were attacked. In Harare, Zimbabwe, its offices were badly damaged after protesters went on
1975-513: The Airbus A320 , to assist and enhance services within the country and on regional services. Boeing 767s arrived in August, 1993 and flew on African, Southern European and Middle Eastern routes. They were retired within ten years. During 1992, SAA began flights to Miami with a Cape Town to Miami International Airport nonstop Boeing 747-400 route, and re-entered Australia, flying nonstop to Perth with
2054-539: The Best Cargo Airline to Africa award from Air Cargo News – (even though South African is mainly a passenger airline) – and South African Airways signed a codesharing agreement with Nigeria Airways to provide service from the United States to Lagos using South African Airways 747s (this codeshare agreement is no longer in effect, and SAA's flights to/from the United States no longer stop in Nigeria). The airline earned
2133-509: The Carlton Centre in Johannesburg . It was formed as a limited company on 1 April 1990. A majority of the company's stock is owned by the Department of Public Enterprises, or DPE, of the South African government. The company was formed by restructuring into business units the operations of South African Railways and Harbours and other existing operations and products. As of August 2024,
2212-586: The Springbok emblem and the old national colours of orange, white and blue with a new livery based upon the new national flag, with a sun motif. The airline's name on its aircraft retained the Afrikaans name Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens . As a symbol of the new rainbow nation following the release of Nelson Mandela , one of SAA's 747-300s, named Ndizani (registration ZS-SAJ), was painted in bright colours. This special-liveried 747-300 transported South African athletes to
2291-526: The "main national airline" and often a sign of their country's presence abroad. The heavily regulated aviation industry also meant aviation rights are often negotiated between governments, denying airlines access to an open market. These Bilateral Air Transport Agreements similar to the Bermuda I and Bermuda II agreements specify rights awardable only to locally registered airlines, forcing some governments to jump-start airlines to avoid being disadvantaged in
2370-486: The 747 entered service, its smaller siblings, the 707s, were converted to combi (passenger/cargo) configurations and high-density seating. All of SAA's Vickers Viscounts were sold by March 1972 after being replaced by Boeing 737s . SAA opened a route to Asia, with Boeing 707 flights to Hong Kong via an intermediate stop at the Seychelles Islands in June 1974. In 1980, SAA began nonstop flights to Taipei using
2449-625: The Boeing 707 was deployed on the airline's flagship Springbok Service , trimming the flying time to London to 13 hours. Other changes brought about by the 707 were a livery change, to an orange tail with blue and white markings, as well as improved comfort, range and speed. A 707 replaced the DC-7B on the Wallaby Route in 1967; Cocos Islands was dropped, while Sydney became the terminus. Flights to New York, via Rio de Janeiro , started on 23 February 1969 using
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2528-419: The Boeing 707. The choice of 727 was based on the geography of the destinations to which it would fly; for example Johannesburg is 1,694 metres (5,558 ft) high and hot , where the 727's wings and other technical capabilities enable it to operate out of such airports. On 13 March 1968, SAA ordered five Boeing 747-200Bs . The first, Lebombo (registered as ZS-SAN ), was delivered on 22 October 1971 after
2607-590: The British airline on 4 October 1953, when Comet G-ANAV left London for Johannesburg. On the same day, Tourist Class was introduced on the 58-seat Lockheed Constellation used on the Springbok Service. The two chartered aircraft sported both BOAC and SAA titles and logos, but were operated by SAA crews. In 1956 Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens introduced the Douglas DC-7 B, capable of long- range operations and then probably
2686-623: The SAAF after the arrival of the Junkers Ju 86s. The main aircraft of SAA in the 1930s was the Junkers Ju 52. Other types used in the 1930s included eighteen Junkers Ju 86s, which served from 1937 onwards. The slow growth continued during the 1940s, though the airline was effectively closed for the duration of World War II . In 1944, SAA began operating 28 Lockheed Lodestars to restart domestic services and by 1948 SAA operating nineteen examples. These were withdrawn in 1955. On 10 November 1945, SAA achieved
2765-657: The SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration related to Siyabonga Gama's reinstatement as CEO of Transnet Freight Rail in February 2011. On 22 July 2021, Transnet experienced "an act of cyberattack , security intrusion and sabotage ," that caused it to declare force majeure at several key container terminals , including its Durban , Ngqura , Port Elizabeth and Cape Town harbors . The Durban port handles 60% of South African container traffic. As of 26 July most computer systems had been restored, but Transnet's investigation into
2844-794: The South African Government is the sole shareholder. Transnet is currently made up of: In December 2013, Transnet appointed nine black-owned companies to supply it with fuel over the following five years in a $ 1.5 billion deal aimed at promoting the South African government's black economic empowerment drive. On 17 March 2014, Transnet's CEO, Brian Molefe, announced contracts of R50 billion with four international manufacturing companies to build 1,064 locomotives (465 diesel and 599 electric). GE would supply 233 diesel locomotives, CNR 232 diesel locomotives, Bombardier Transportation 240 electric locomotives and CSR 359 electric locomotives. Of
2923-574: The South African Transport Services Act, 1989" transformed the South African Transport Services from a government department into a public company. On 1 April 1990, after 80 years of government and parliamentary control, SATS received company status. On 1 April 1990, a new company representing a vast transportation network was born, and appropriately named TRANSNET . Transnet Limited is a public company of which
3002-551: The accession process. In May 2007, SAA launched an 18-month comprehensive restructuring programme which aimed to make the airline profitable. According to then-CEO Khaya Ngqula, this came largely after "uncompetitive ownership and aircraft lease costs, excessive head count and fuel price volatility". The programme involved: the spin-off of businesses into seven subsidiaries, thereby allowing SAA to concentrate on its core business of passenger and cargo transport; grounding SAA's Boeing 747-400 fleet; rationalising international routes (Paris
3081-534: The acquisition of Union Airways by the South African government . The airline was initially overseen and controlled by South African Railways and Harbours Administration . Anti-apartheid sanctions by African countries deprived the airline of stopover airports during apartheid , forcing it to bypass the continent with long- range aircraft. During this time, it was also known by its Afrikaans name, Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens ( SAL , lit. ' "South African Air Service" ' ), which has since been dropped by
3160-526: The aging Boeing 737-200 fleet, but the Boeing 737-800s continued in service because SAA cancelled its A320 order before any aircraft were delivered. Later that year, South African Airways made a successful bid for a 49% stake in Air Tanzania . The move highlighted SAA's wish to gain a foothold in eastern Africa. The bid was worth $ 20 million, and was SAA's first acquisition of a foreign airline. The merger failed in 2006, when new SAA management felt that
3239-549: The airline and three for the South African Air Force ) were placed. This raised the number of Ju 52s to fourteen, although three older models were sold when deliveries of the newer Ju 52s began. The airline experienced a rapid expansion during this time, but also suffered its first accident; one of the newly delivered Ju 52s crashed after takeoff from Rand Airport in July 1937, with one reported fatality. From 1 February 1934 until
South African Airways - Misplaced Pages Continue
3318-404: The airline. In 1997 SAA changed its name, image and aircraft livery and introduced online ticketing services. In 2006, SAA was split from Transnet , its parent company , to operate as an independent airline. It remains one of the largest of South Africa's state-owned enterprises . SAA owned Mango , a low-cost domestic airline, and established links with Airlink and South African Express . It
3397-602: The area surrounding Cape Town and later in Durban around the 1840s. The first line opened in Durban on 27 June 1860. The initial network was created to serve the agricultural production area between Cape Town and Wellington. The news that there were gold deposits in the Transvaal Republic moved the Cape Colony Government (supported by British Government) to link Kimberley as soon as possible by rail to Cape Town as part of
3476-428: The arrangement was fruitless. On 1 February 2000, South African Airways and Delta Air Lines started to codeshare on SAA-operated nonstop Boeing 747-400 flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg, with return flights operated via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida due to range limitations caused by the 5,557-foot altitude at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. In 2001, South African Airways won
3555-534: The attack's severity continued. A group of 66,000 pensioners have instituted a civil claim to recover about US$ 6.5 billion they claim Transnet plundered from their pension funds. The group has accused Transnet of stripping the Transnet Pension Fund and Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund of its assets and mismanaging them to such an extent that the funds were unable to meet their obligations to members. They have also accused Transnet of attempting to dissolve
3634-646: The basis that it required a trustworthy CEO. In June 2020 it was reported in the Daily Maverick that three senior executives (Nonkululeko Sishi, Lenny Moodley and Shulami Qalinge) implicated in facilitating state capture had been dismissed. On 27 May 2022, Gama, along with four other executives, was arrested by the National Prosecuting Authority on charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering, and granted bail ahead of another court hearing in July 2022. In September 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa
3713-807: The colonial dream. In the Union of South Africa (31 May 1910 – 31 May 1961), consisting of the four earlier colonies: the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal; all railways in South Africa finally became unified as a state-owned railway system in 1910 when the Central South African Railways, the Cape Government Railways and the Natal Government Railways were all fused by an Act of Parliament (South Africa Act 1909). Thus
3792-419: The company has an accumulated debt of R121 billion. Transnet vs APM: Court hears 'heavens won't fall' if R12bn Durban port deal is delayed. The business units of Transnet include: The National Ports Authority provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa. Transnet port terminals was established in 2000, when Transnet's then single port division, Portnet,
3871-468: The country's aviation hub, which coincided with the launching of Rand–Durban–East London–Port Elizabeth–Cape Town services. From July the following year a weekly Rand–Kimberley– Beaufort West –Cape Town service commenced; in April 1936, all Rand–Cape Town services were taken over from Imperial Airways . A fourth Ju 52/3m soon joined the fleet. Orders for a further ten Ju 52/3m aircraft, along with eighteen Junkers Ju 86s and seven Airspeed Envoys (four for
3950-539: The destination's language. On 24 April 1994, South African Express (SA Express), a feeder airline service of South African, began operating after a 3-year preparation process begun in 1991, when the regional airline was granted its operating license. SAA initially held a 20% stake in SA Express (Alliance Airline Holdings held 51%, SA Enterprises, 24.9% and Abyss Investments, 4.1%). SA Express took over some of SAA's low-density domestic routes. In 1995, Lufthansa started
4029-531: The end of the year; these aircraft were utilised on internal services for a short time and were sold within a few years. The 28-seat Vickers Viking served the airline briefly, before being sold to British European Airways . Palmietfontein Airport replaced Rand Airport as SAA's hub in 1948. In June 1948, SAA began to show films on its Skymaster aircraft. SAA received four Lockheed Constellations , its first pressurised aircraft, in August 1950. They provided scheduled service to London's Heathrow airport. Initially,
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#17328519235454108-421: The face of foreign competition. Some countries also establish flag carriers such as Israel 's El Al or Lebanon 's Middle East Airlines for nationalist reasons or to aid the country's economy, particularly in the area of tourism. In many cases, governments would directly assist in the growth of their flag carriers typically through subsidies and other fiscal incentives. The establishment of competitors in
4187-515: The fastest piston-engine airliner in the world. SAA exploited the aircraft's performance by introducing it between Johannesburg and London with only one fuelling stop at Khartoum . This was known as the East Coast express , taking 21 hours to complete, versus BOAC's inaugural Comet flight between the two cities of 24 hours. This later became the West Coast express when the technical stop at Khartoum
4266-484: The first African carrier to sign with one of the three major airline alliances. The airline entered voluntary business rescue in December 2019 as a result of financial difficulties, and suspended all operations the following year. In June 2021, the South African government announced that SAA would be partially privatised in a Strategic Equity Partnership (SEP) transaction with the Takatso Consortium, which would hold
4345-459: The first time over Egypt and Sudan, on 8 September. The airline launched flights to Milan on 1 June during the year, and services to Athens were re-introduced. Also, an interline with Aeroflot was established. The first of SAA's eight Boeing 747-400s , named Durban , arrived in South Africa on 19 January 1991. The airplane was unusual in that two different turbofan engines were operated. Six Rolls-Royce RB211-524H -powered examples were ordered;
4424-406: The form of other locally registered airlines may be prohibited or heavily regulated to avoid direct competition. Even where privately run airlines may be allowed to be established, the flag carriers may still be accorded priority, especially in the apportionment of aviation rights to local or international markets. Near the end of the 20th century, many of these airlines have been corporatized as
4503-621: The introduction of the Douglas DC-3 on the Johannesburg– Durban route. From 1946, passengers and cargo carried increased, along with the size of SAA's fleet and staff. As the Skymasters arrived, out went the Avro Yorks, back to BOAC . Air hostesses were introduced in September 1946: at first on domestic routes, then on Springbok Services . The two de Havilland Doves were introduced at
4582-404: The investment agreement with the proposed private partners. Nonetheless, SAA was recognised as the second best airline in Africa by Skytrax in 2021, despite not having flown a single scheduled flight for 18 months. Since emerging from business rescue, SAA has grown steadily, with a fleet capacity of 12 aircraft, 15 destinations and 2000 employees. South African Airways was founded in 1934 after
4661-601: The last example being withdrawn as late as 1970. On 10 November 1945, the airline introduced its first intercontinental service, the 3-day Springbok Service , operated by the Avro York , which was routed Palmietfontein–Nairobi–Khartoum–Cairo–Castel Benito–Hurn Bournemouth. A weekly service was initially flown, but this later increased to 6 times weekly due to high passenger demand. The Douglas DC-4 Skymaster debuted with SAA in May 1946 between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which coincided with
4740-530: The new deepwater Port of Ngqura was commissioned just 7 km outside of Port Elizabeth. Port Terminals not only handle cargo but also perform logistics management for container, bulk, break-bulk (multi-purpose) and car terminal operations. Transnet Pipelines , formerly known as Petronet, the guardian of the country's pipeline assets and is currently servicing two key industries (fuel and gas) by transporting petroleum and gas products over changeable distances. Transnet Freight Rail formerly known as Spoornet,
4819-403: The other two, part of an unfulfilled Philippine Airlines order, had General Electric CF6-80C2B5Fs . Winglets , structural changes and fuel-efficient engines enabled these aircraft to fly non-stop from South Africa to the east coast of the United States. The arrival of Boeing's newest jumbo jet perhaps overshadowed the acquisition by SAA of the world's first commercial fly-by-wire airliner,
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#17328519235454898-452: The process was a change in the name and image of the organization, which would reflect its new mission as a state business enterprise. In April 1981, the country's railway, harbour, road transport, aviation and pipeline operations became known as South African Transport Services (SATS). At the same time, the enterprise was restructured into units and divisions with strong emphasis placed on localized management. The "Legal Succession to
4977-453: The refusal of many countries to allow SAA to use their airspace by exploiting its long-range capabilities, as well as to serve lower-density routes which were unsuited to the 747-200. Six were delivered starting 19 March 1976. As above, to demonstrate the 747SP's performance, the first one was delivered from Seattle to Cape Town non-stop, an airliner distance record that stood until 1989. The first 747SP arrived in South Africa on 19 March 1976. As
5056-450: The rest from other parties. The 737s were to be deployed on short-haul routes, replacing Airbus A300s and A320s. The 737 order was followed by an Airbus order in 2002. Under CEO Andre Viljoen, South African Airways requested Airbus to overhaul its fleet at a cost of US$ 3.5 billion in March 2002, taking advantage of a slump in the order books of both Boeing and Airbus. The airline industry
5135-477: The result that there is no single "flag carrier". The chart below lists airlines considered to be a "flag carrier", based on current or former state ownership or other verifiable designation as a national airline. Minority (20.05%) in the Lufthansa Group acquired in 2020 was sold in 2022. Transnet Transnet SOC Ltd is a large South African rail, port and pipeline company, headquartered in
5214-460: The route from Johannesburg was flown via Nairobi, Khartoum and Rome. The Constellation's higher speed and longer range enabled fewer stops and greatly reduced the flying time to London. The jet age arrived in South Africa on 3 May 1952 when a BOAC de Havilland Comet arrived in Palmietfontein after a 24-hour journey from England with five refuelling stops en route. SAA chartered two Comets from
5293-522: The separation of South African Airways and its parent company Transnet. The deadline was moved from 2005 to 31 March 2006. SAA joined Star Alliance on 10 April 2006, becoming the first African airline to join Star Alliance. To celebrate the occasion, and as a condition of entry, one Airbus A340-600 (registration ZS-SNC) and one Boeing 737-800 (registration ZS-SJV) were repainted in Star Alliance livery. South African Airways fulfilled 53 requirements during
5372-467: The start of World War II, SAA carried 118,822 passengers, 3,278 tonnes of airmail and 248 tonnes of cargo, which were served by 418 employees. On 24 May 1940, all operations were suspended. Following World War II, frequencies were increased and more routes were opened, which necessitated the conversion of three South African Air Force Envoys to passenger layout. These aircraft would prove to be unsuitable for passenger and cargo services and were returned to
5451-493: The state-owned parent company , to remedy the problem of dwindling passengers, which Transnet's market research had revealed was caused by "failure to fly on time, unfriendly and minimally-trained staff, poor food and SAA fares being 12–25% above its competitors". He was credited with rescuing World Airways from the brink of bankruptcy earlier in the decade. During his first 18 months as CEO, South African Airways' market value increased fivefold. In June 1999, Transnet entered into
5530-475: The total of 1,064 locomotives, 70 would be imported complete and the rest would be built locally by Transnet Engineering in Pretoria and Durban. The alternators of the first two diesel locomotives delivered to Transnet by China's state-owned CRRC Corporation, posed serious problems soon after they arrived in South Africa the previous year, rendering the locomotives unable to operate. Transnet is now refusing to accept
5609-456: Was appointed as CEO of SAA. A new chairman, Professor Jakes Gerwel , was appointed in the same month. In 2005, SAA became the first non-Saudi airline to fly a direct Hadj service to Medina in Saudi Arabia. In July 2005, SAA started a four times weekly Johannesburg - Accra -Washington, D.C. service with a Boeing 747-400. Service was increased to daily flights in July 2006, and the 747-400
5688-604: Was born the South African Railways and Harbours (SAR&H). On 31 May 1961 the Union became the Republic of South Africa. By 1981 government decided that the SAR&;H should restructure itself along business lines in order to evolve from a state-owned corporation towards privatization. Later, when commercial aviation started, the South African Airways also became a part of this huge land, sea and air transport system. Integral to
5767-474: Was divided into operations and landlord businesses namely, SAPO (Transnet port terminals) and National Port Authority (TNPA). Since its setting up, Transnet port terminals has played a part in supporting the South African government's export-led growth strategy. Most Southern African import and export commodities are handled through South Africa's six largest ports: Richards Bay , Durban , Saldanha , Cape Town , Port Elizabeth and East London . In October 2009
5846-469: Was dropped altogether); the axing of 30% of the airline's managers; among other reductions. This was expected to save the airline R2.7 billion (US$ 378.2 million). By June 2009, R2.5 billion had been saved. Two retired 747-400s were reactivated in 2008 for flights to Lagos , and by 2010 Luanda as well. Flag carrier A flag carrier is a transport company, such as an airline or shipping company, that, being locally registered in
5925-469: Was founded after the restoration of the CASA 352L. Since then, many aircraft have joined SAA Museum Society's collection relating to South African aviation. South African Airways was formed on 1 February 1934 following the acquisition of Union Airways by the South African government . Forty staff members, along with one de Havilland DH.60 Gypsy Moth , one de Havilland DH.80A Puss Moth , three Junkers F.13s and
6004-524: Was replaced by an Airbus A340-600. Because SAA could not obtain rights to fly passengers between Ghana and the US, Dakar replaced Accra as the intermediate stop. In 2010, SAA retired the last of its 747-400 fleet. On 6 June 2006, the codeshare agreement between South African Airways and Delta Air Lines was terminated because of the airlines' memberships in rival alliances ( Star Alliance and SkyTeam respectively). The South African government's plans called for
6083-611: Was still staggering after the September 11 attacks in the US, which led to new aircraft orders either being deferred, or cancelled altogether. SAA was in a buyers' market and the demise of Swissair , which had A340-600s about to be delivered, effected Airbus clinching the SAA deal. This was part of a bigger order that covered 11 A319s, 15 A320s, nine A340-600s and six A340-300s. Three of the A340-600 aircraft came from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). The new Airbus A319s replaced
6162-451: Was transferred to Kano , Nigeria, resulting in a shortened flying of 18 hours. The fortnightly Wallaby Route , routed Johannesburg –Mauritius– Cocos Islands – Perth , Australia, started in November 1957. After a host of accidents involving SAA's and other airlines' Comets, the airline ordered three Boeing 707-320 Intercontinentals on 21 February 1958, with the first delivered on 1 July 1960. Three months after arrival, on 1 October 1960,
6241-428: Was via Tel Aviv , which doubled the distance and flying time involved. European airlines were allowed to fly over Africa when flying to South Africa, usually via Nairobi and later nonstop. On 26 December 1980, the last South African Airways Boeing 707 service was operated between Paris and Johannesburg. Its touchdown ended the 20-year career of the 707. The quadjet was replaced by the world's first wide-body twinjet,
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