MEDIA RELEASESOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS RECORDS EXCEPTIONAL OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE SINCE RELAUNCHING FLIGHTS
Johannesburg, South Africa (02 February 2022) – After a successful relaunch in September last year, South African Airways (SAA) has just recorded operating over 1,000 flights and is now leading its local competitors when it comes to on-time performance. Furthermore, since its restart in September last year SAA has also recorded a 100% completion rate - the percentage of completed scheduled flights excluding uncontrollable cancellations. The carrier says it is poised for more growth of its route network during its first full year of operations since exiting business rescue during the second quarter of 2021. At the same time SAA says its popular twice-weekly service to Mauritius will resume on March 1, just ahead of its new daily service between Johannesburg and Durban. Mauritius government suspended SAA flights late last year due to COVID-19 and concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant. In addition, SAA has announced it will fly three-times daily between Johannesburg and Durban beginning March 4, following requests to add this market due to overwhelming passenger demand. SAA’s Interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo says, “We are delighted to welcome our customers back on the Mauritius route following the decision by the Mauritian government to rescind its decision to stop operations particularly during the height of the peak travel season due to COVID concerns. We are also thrilled that we can add Durban to our local network. The short-haul flight is a vital one in linking the two economically important cities of Johannesburg and Durban.” Kgokolo says as SAA begins its first full year of operations after business rescue and all indications point to a strong and successful operational start. “With a constant eye on finances we are evaluating passenger demand on our routes with a view to adjusting capacity, as necessary. In addition, one of our principle focus points in coming months will be strengthening existing relationships with our alliance partners with a view to offering passengers more international connecting flight opportunities on our route network throughout Africa, as well as looking for more logistical cargo prospects.” SAA also celebrates its 88th anniversary on 02 February, having started in 1934. Notes Kgokolo, “This birthday gives all of us a chance to pause and reflect the brand values on which the carrier was built, namely safety and exemplary service. SAA is one of the oldest airline brands in the world and despite the recent difficulties remains a globally respected carrier. Our ongoing pledge to passengers is to continue to live those values as we take SAA on its new journey to growth and success”. Media Enquiries may be directed to: |
