South Africa Airways (SAA) will be back in the skies again on September 23, 2021 after a lengthy restructuring process. 

“The wait is finally over,” the carrier announced on  August 25, 2021. “In just under a month, the striking and familiar livery of SAA will once again be visible in the skies as the airline resumes operations.” Tickets for the South flag carrier went on sale on August 26. . 

The airline entered business rescue, similar to a Chapter 11 restructuring process, in December 2019. Flights have been grounded since September 2020. 

Since leaving business rescue at the end of April 2021, it has been taking the necessary steps to fly again, including signing a deal with pilots and gaining approval for its air operator’s certificate. Low-cost unit Mango is also now undergoing business rescue. 

“The aviation sector is currently going through a testing period, and we are aware of the tough challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks,” interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo said in a statement. 

SAA will initially operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo. It said more destinations will be added as it increases services, depending on market conditions.

Kgokolo had previously told a local broadcaster SAA planned to restart operations with a fleet of eight aircraft. FlySAA said in a social media post the fleet will include Airbus A330-200, A320 and A319 jets.

READ MORE:
 
SAA prepares to resume operations, gets operating license
South African Airways (SAA) received an operating license as it prepares to resume operations after nearly a year of grounding.