Overview
Established in 1934, South African Airways was actually first purchased by the South African government, bearing the name of Union Airways. The airline has several hubs located at OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. South African Airways has Voyager for its frequent flyer program. Its member lounge is Cycad/Baobab Lounge. Having the support of Star Alliance, the airline operates a fleet size of 88 aircraft units with flights to over 35 destinations. With its parent company being Transnet, its headquarters is based at Johannesburg, South Africa.
Company Profile
South African Airways, also known as SAA, is actually the flag carrier of South Africa. Currently, it is dubbed as the largest airline company for both domestic and international companies. Another name for the airline is SAL or Suid-Afrikaanse, though this version does not really appear on the livery of the airline anymore.
Company History
It was in 1934 when the South African government bought Union Airways and changed its name to South African Airways on February 1 of the same year. The first cities that the airline served include Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. For the following year, the airline made the move to take over South-West African Airways, the airline that has been responsible for providing airmail service between Kimberley and Windhoek ever since 1932.
During the 30s, the airline then penetrated the international market, offering flights to Uganda and Kenya at British East Africa. At the time, the primary aircraft of the airline was the renowned Junkers JU-52, famously known as Tante-Ju. Eleven of these famous aircraft models scoured the skies for South African Airways. Other aircraft models included Junkers JU-86 and Airspeed ‘Envoy’ light twin airliners.
Joining Star Alliance
South African Airways joined Star Alliance on April 2006 and stated a codeshare service with United Airlines.
Apart from that, South African Airways is also an airline partner of Skywards. Hooking up with Emirates Airline’s frequent flyer program allows passengers to earn miles every time they fly with the airline. Miles can be redeemed for free flights. Lastly, South African Airways has also established a strong partnership with another airline, El Al Israel Airlines.
South African Airways Destinations
The airline offers intercontinental flights to Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Washington D.C., New York City, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, Munich, Perth, and Hong Kong. For the most part, the intercontinental and international flights of the airline fly from Johannesburg. One intercontinental flight does fly from Cape Town and this is to London. The airline also operates so many domestic and regional flights.
