SAA acquires more aircraft ahead of peak season

South African Airways (SAA) has just taken receipt of the first of two aircraft from SunExpress, as part of a new lease agreement.

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A NEW LEASE AGREEMENT FOR SAA

SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, and SAA recently entered into a ‘damp’ lease agreement that will allow SAA to operate flights using two SunExpress aircraft for a six-month period.

In a press release, SAA said that the first of the two aircraft was received on Wednesday, 11 October 2023.

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Under the agreement, the two Boeing 737-800 aircraft from SunExpress will operate flights from Johannesburg on behalf of South African Airways during the airline’s high demand period.

The first of these aircraft have begun operations mid-October, and the second aircraft will have scheduled flights depending on the capacity demand by the airline.

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John Lamola, Chief Executive of South African Airways, said that they were pleased with their relationship with SunExpress.

“This unique ACMI is a short-term tactical intervention in SAA’s fleet strategy, as we are working on the deployment of our long-term dry-leased four A320s. We are pleased with our relationship with SunExpress and are excited with its potential as we both manage the seasonality of passenger traffic in our respective geographic markets.” Lamola said.

SAA and SunExpress, have entered into a damp lease agreement that will allow SAA to operate a schedule utilising two SunExpress aircraft for a six-month period, commencing mid-October 2023. Click on the link in bio to read the full-press release https://t.co/XE3bcj4HHB. pic.twitter.com/9FhsgiyzW8

— SAA – South Africa (@flysaa) October 17, 2023

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WHAT IS A “DAMP LEASE” AGREEMENT?

The “damp lease” agreement that SAA has entered into with SunExpress, referes to the provision of aircraft, its maintenance, and cockpit crew from the leaser (SunExpress), while the aircraft will still be served by the lessee’s (SAA) cabin crew to maintain SAA’s customer service standards.