In its efforts to recover and grow, South African Airways (SAA) has been making great progress, ushering in a new era for the airline. Here are the most recent SAA issues as of March 2025, ranging from fleet growth to labor dispute resolution.
Fleet Expansion and Route Enhancements
In January 2025, SAA augmented its fleet by adding two Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing the total number of aircraft to 20. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to increase operational capacity and improve service frequency across key destinations. The airline plans to introduce five additional aircraft by the end of 2025, further bolstering its capabilities.
This growth has enabled SAA to enhance its route network significantly. Notable developments include:
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A new connection to Johannesburg was launched on January 20, 2025.
- Harare, Zimbabwe: Flight frequency increased to 12 flights per week, up from 10.
- Lusaka, Zambia: Operations expanded to 12 weekly flights, up from seven.
- Lagos, Nigeria & Accra, Ghana: Flights increased to four times weekly, enhancing connectivity with West Africa.
- Kinshasa & Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo: Flights to Kinshasa increased to five times weekly, while services to Lubumbashi, launched in November 2024, continue to strengthen trade links in the DRC.
Additionally, SAA resumed intercontinental flights, reintroducing routes from Johannesburg to São Paulo and Perth, and from Cape Town to São Paulo, utilizing wide-body A330s and long-range A343s.
Resolution of Pilot Industrial Action
On March 25, 2025, SAA announced that its pilots had officially accepted a revised salary and benefits package, bringing an immediate end to the work-to-rule industrial action that had been in place since March 19, 2025. This agreement underscores the commitment of both SAA and its pilots to ensure seamless operations and minimize disruptions for passengers.
Leadership and Financial Milestones
In February 2025, the South African government appointed John Lamola as the Group Chief Executive of SAA, solidifying a position he had held on an interim basis for nearly three years. This appointment aims to provide stable leadership as the airline continues its recovery and growth trajectory.
Financially, SAA reported a net profit of R252 million for the 2022/23 financial year, marking its first profitability since 2012. Total revenue surged by 183% from R2.0 billion in the previous year to R5.7 billion, signaling a significant turnaround in the airline’s financial health.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, SAA is exploring the possibility of establishing direct flights to India in 2025, aiming to enhance connectivity and cater to the growing demand between the two regions. This initiative aligns with South Africa’s broader strategy to strengthen trade and tourism ties with India.
In conclusion, South African Airways is demonstrating a robust commitment to growth and operational excellence. Through strategic fleet expansion, resolution of labor disputes, and leadership stabilization, SAA is poised to reclaim its position as a leading carrier in the region.