South African Airways Airbus A330
Taken by Matthew @aviationza on IG
South African Airways has been in the media quite a lot recently. Most of these articles are on how the airline is struggling financially and is being completely re-created. However, the airline are still continuing certain operations! The carrier has first guarenteed services until May 1st which was extended to May 8th. Now, SAA have stated that they are going to continue repatriation and cargo operations through the month of May.
A spark of hope emerged on the 8th of May when the airline posted this statement on their website when we all thought they were going to cease operations: 'South African Airways (SAA) would like to reassure its customers and stakeholders that it will continue to operate repatriation and arch flights during the month of May and beyond... The airline will honour all existing commitments to provide air transportation services to its customers and any other requests that it receives.'
In terms of their repatriation flights, the airline has received numerous repatriation request across the African continent along with the UK, Middle East and even North and South America. They said that they have been considering all these requests over the period of a month. There are also many repatriation requests coming from foreign governments who have their citizens stranded in South Africa.
They have recently posted information on their repatriation flights on their website. For foreign travellers stranded in South Africa, they must explore alternatives to SAA flights. If you are unable to return to your home country, they encourage that they contact their Embassy or Consulate to inform your Government of your location. For South Africans stranded abroad they must also explore alternatives to SAA flights and if they are unable to return they must contact their Embassy or Consulate and also inform the South African Government on their location.
Since April 3rd, the airline has undergone marvellous flight operations. They have transported more than 9,100 passengers to six continents and have also carried more than 870 tonnes of cargo. However, recently they suspended all domestic flights to support their national lockdown. The airlines international operations ceased back in March.
In mid-April, the airline got rejected from receiving government support which resulted in the creation of a brand new airline. This is according to the Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordham. Administrators are expected to have a draft of the airline rescue plan by the end of the month. Click here for more information on the re-creation of the airline.
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