SAA to introduce network changes as it implements a five-year plan to improve efficiencies

Johannesburg, 31 August 2017 - South African Airways (SAA) confirms that it will introduce network changes on the domestic and regional segments of its route network. The changes relate to the replacement of SAA’s own metal service on certain routes and not total withdrawal.

The changes are part of the airline’s implementation of its newly developed five-year Corporate Plan that seeks to return the company to financial sustainability in the shortest time possible.

The planned network changes are to optimise SAA’s schedule through the introduction of its airline partners. SAA will leverage its partnership with its sister airlines and will still maintain its SA code in those markets. For the customers, this means that we will continue to provide services to the affected markets, albeit rendered by our partner carriers who will be operating on those routes. In essence, no existing or future customers will experience an adverse impact due to the introduction of the partner carriers, as the change will be managed seamlessly. SAA will honour its obligations to all ticketed passengers who purchased tickets in advance.

We will soon announce the details of impacted domestic and regional routes as well as the commencement dates for these changes.

SAA is confident that together with its partners it has adequately planned and prepared for the changes that are necessary to bring about efficiencies for the airline whilst also giving our customers travel certainty on their future business or leisure travel.