After one year of inactivity South African Airways resumes flights

South African Airways finally resumes flights.

 

South African Airways relaunched today after a year of inactivity and almost 18 months without a commercial flight.

 

South Africa’s flag carrier shutdown commercial operations in March 2020, before ceasing all cargo and repatriation flights in September, as the Covid-19 pandemic showed no signs of disappearing.

 

After spending 17 months in administration, SAA finally exited “business rescue” in April 2021, before the South African government agreed to sell its majority stake to Takatso Consortium in June.

 

Takatso, a joint venture between private-equity company Harith General Partners and Global Aviation, has yet to finalize its takeover almost three months after agreeing the deal.

 

The consortium has promised to invest up to $243 million over the next three years.

 

Today, passengers on the South African Airways flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town were greeted on their departure by singing and dancing airline staff.

 

In addition to today’s domestic route, SAA plans to begin regional services next week to Accra, Kinshasa, Lusaka, Harare and Maputo.

 

Speaking on the much-anticipated relaunch, interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo said, “After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming onboard our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag.

 

“We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to COVID-19 protocols.”