South African Airways has added two Airbus A320s in recent weeks, expanding its fleet to 20 aircraft. These single-aisle aircraft arrived in Johannesburg under a lease agreement with AerCap, highlighting the company's improved credit standing with international financial institutions specializing in aviation finance.
The introduction of these aircraft marks SAA's first major milestone since 2021, when it resumed operations after going through a business rescue process that left it with just six aircraft in its fleet. Interim CEO John Lamola said the new aircraft will increase capacity on domestic and regional routes, making air travel more accessible and affordable.
The airline industry is still grappling with challenges stemming from post-pandemic supply chain disruptions. These issues have delayed aircraft deliveries and driven up the price of used aircraft. Despite these challenges, SAA remains focused on growth and plans to add five more aircraft in 2025 to strengthen its fleet and meet growing demand.
In addition to the newly introduced Airbus A320, the company's fleet also includes Airbus A330 and A340 widebody models, which are primarily used on intercontinental routes. These aircraft will be deployed on key routes such as Johannesburg-São Paulo, Johannesburg-Perth and Cape Town-São Paulo in 2024.
New routes and service expansion
On 20 January 2025, SAA launched a new service between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam. The airline has also increased weekly flights to Harare (Zimbabwe) and Lusaka (Zambia). Flights to Lagos (Nigeria) and Accra (Ghana) have increased from three to four times a week, while flights to Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) now operate five times a week. In November 2024, SAA added Lubumbashi as a new destination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This expansion reflects SAA's commitment to consolidate current operations, increase connectivity for both leisure and business travelers, and facilitate commercial exchange through SAA Cargo. John Lamola stressed that the company's focus on growth is aimed at strengthening its market position while ensuring a seamless travel experience for its passengers.
