SAA set to officially relaunch

The South African government is set to officially relaunch South African Airways (SAA) in Cape Town this Thursday, marking the two-year anniversary of the airline’s return to the skies.

The event will also serve as the announcement for the resumption of SAA’s direct flights to São Paulo, Brazil.

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A REMARKABLE REVIVAL FOR SAA

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan expressed that this relaunch is a significant milestone for SAA, which had faced a turbulent journey after being grounded for 16 months and undergoing business rescue to avert liquidation.

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“The upcoming event signifies a substantial step in the revival of SAA We eagerly anticipate the official relaunch of SAA and the introduction of its first intercontinental flight to São Paulo, Brazil,” Gordhan.

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Earlier this year, SAA disclosed its plans to operate four weekly flights to São Paulo. With two departing from Cape Town and two from Johannesburg.

SAA’s Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, emphasized that the decision to introduce this long-haul flight was made after a thorough sustainability analysis.

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THE SÃO PAULO CONNECTION

“We are delighted to announce São Paulo as our first international destination since successfully emerging from an intensive Business Rescue process and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown. It also marks the return of our long-haul service out of Cape Town,” said Lamola.

The inaugural flight to São Paulo is scheduled to depart from Cape Town next Tuesday. With the Johannesburg flight following suit on 6 November.

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This relaunch and expansion signify a promising chapter in the revival of SAA.