South African Airways (SAA)

South African Airways is the flag carrier of South Africa. It is a public entity of the Department of Transport (DOT) under the National Government of South Africa.

SAA was founded in 1929 as Union Airways but later rebranded to South African Airways in 1934. The airline then officially began operations on 1 February 1934.

South African Airways is a leading carrier in Africa, serving domestic, regional and international routes.

South African Airways is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance, which it joined in April 2006, making it the first African carrier to sign with one of the three major airline alliances.

South African Airways’ core business is providing passenger airline and cargo transport services and related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical (SAAT), a world-class maintenance facility and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA.

SAAT has successfully delivered high-quality maintenance services such as major airframe checks; engine overhaul; mechanical components; avionics, and line maintenance.

From its first flight in 1934, South African Airways has welcomed the world to South Africa by showing off the warm generous heart of the country. The airline has more than 90 years of excellence and innovation to draw on.

South African Airways is headquartered in Airways Park on the grounds of O. R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

Vision

The vision of South African Airways is to be Africa’s leading world-class airline.

Mission

The mission of South African Airways is to deliver commercially sustainable world-class air passenger and aviation services in South Africa, the African continent and to our tourism and trading partners across the globe.

Objectives

The objectives of South African Airways are:

  • Support South Africa’s National Developmental Agenda
  • Achieve and maintain commercial sustainability
  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Achieve consistent, efficient and effective operations
  • Foster performance excellence

Values

The values of South African Airways are:

  • Customer Focused: Striving to meet the unique needs of customers (internal and external) by tailoring each interaction to suit their needs
  • Accountability: Taking responsibility for individual and team actions, decisions and results by establishing clear plans and goals and measuring the company’s progress against them
  • Integrity: Practicing the highest standards of ethical behaviour in all the company’s work and maintaining credibility by ensuring the company’s actions match their words
  • Safety: Living the company’s safety philosophy by striving for zero safety incidents through proper training, work practice, risk management and adherence to safety regulations at all times
  • Excellence In Performance: Setting goals beyond the best, reinforcing high quality performance standards and achieving excellence by implementing best practices
  • Valuing Our People: Committing to their satisfaction, development, and well-being, by treating them with respect, dignity and fairness

Overseeing Department/Entity

Reporting Entities

Office Bearers/Management

Chairperson

  • Ms Sedzani Faith Mudau

Deputy Chairperson

  • Ms Fathima Gany

Board Members

  • Dr Salome Chiloane-Nwabueza
  • Dr Prittish Dala
  • Mr Dennis Dlomo
  • Ms Siphumelele Dlungwane
  • Mr Mongezi India
  • Mr Lisa Mangcu
  • Ms Bongiwe Mbomvu
  • Ms Bongiwe Pityi
  • Mr Theunis Potgieter
  • Adv Johannes Collen Weapond
  • Ms Pamela Bulelwa Yako

Chief Executive Officer

  • Prof Malesela John Lamola

Chief Financial Officer

  • Ms Lindsay Olitzki (Interim)

Senior Management

  • Ms Suretha Cruse (Executive: Customer Loyalty)
  • Ms Ruth Kibuuka (Company Secretary)
  • Ms Mpho Letlape (General Manager: Human Resources)
  • Mr Justice Luthuli (Acting General Manager: Cargo)
  • Adv Koekie Mbeki (Group Chief Legal Officer: SAA)
  • Mr Cobus McQuirk (Acting Chief Information Officer)
  • Mr Madodanele Nkalane (Manager: Domestic and Regional Airport Operations)
  • Mr Tebogo Tsimane (Chief Commercial Officer)

Communications Officers

  • Ms Vimla Maistry (HOD: Communications)

Contact Details

The contact details of South African Airways (SAA) are listed in the table below.

Physical Address:Airways Park, 32 Jones Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Postal Address:Private Bag X13, Kempton Park, 1627
Telephone:011 978 1111
Email:saacustomerservice@flysaa.com
Website:www.flysaa.com