SAA Flight Schedule Returns To Normal As Most Aircraft Complete Compliance Verification Ordered By Civil Aviation Authority

JOHANNESBURG, 24 OCTOBER 2019. South African Airways (SAA) flight schedule has returned to normal after the airline has ensured that majority of the aircraft that were identified for the compliance checks have been released back into service. All flights are now operating on schedule.

A total of 25 aircraft in SAA’s fleet were identified to undergo a compliance verification process required by SACAA.  So far, 21 have undergone the compliance verification process resulting in an 84% completion rate of the identified aircraft.  The remaining four are undergoing a scheduled extended maintenance service. Their absence will not affect the airline operations, as they were not included in the schedule to allow for routine maintenance.

SAA’s decision to recall its aircraft followed an oversight inspection conducted by SACAA at the airline’s maintenance subsidiary, South African Airways Technical (SAAT) and an audit on one aircraft operated by another carrier.

SAA implemented contingency plans to ensure business continuity.

The return to normal flight schedule was in place on Wednesday already as SAA’s average on-time performance was at 93% for domestic, regional and international flights and the airline operated all its flights.

SAA once again apologises for the inconvenience caused during the past two days and will continue to update customers on an ongoing basis when required.

SAA wishes to assure all customers that despite the compliance verification process on a specified number of aircraft by the maintenance subsidiary, South African Airways Technical (SAAT), all of the airline’s aircraft are airworthy and normal operations have been restored.