
South African Airways is the state-owned flag carrier airline of South Africa. Headquartered in Airways Park at O.R Tambo International Airport, the airline operates a hub-and-spoke network, linking over 40 local and international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania from its base at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
What is the best airline in South Africa?
“According to statistics published by the Airport Company South Africa (ACSA), FlySafair scored an average on-time performance of 93.6% for 2018, well ahead of other local airlines. What FlySafair has managed to do well is to balance being a low-cost affordable airline, without sacrificing quality customer service.”
How long is the flight from us to South Africa?
Total flying time is approximately 11 hours and 5 minutes. International Flights Based on shortest flight times without disembarking - many, many others available. Speak to your travel agent about getting the most convenient flights and cost effective flights for you. Domestic Flights Based on shortest flight times available.
Do South African Airways have WiFi?
There is no Inflight Wifi (Paid or Free) in any of South African Airways flights.
Does United fly to Africa?
United Airlines flies to 78 domestic destinations and 111 international destinations in 74 countries including US across Asia, Americas, Africa, Europe and Oceania. How do you fly from USA to South Africa? Direct Flights From the USA to Southern Africa South African Airways fly direct to Johannesburg (JHB) from New York (JFK).
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How many destinations does South African Airways fly to?
South African Airways is one of the leading carriers in Africa, serving 57 destinations in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and SAA's low-cost carrier, Mango.
Does South African Airways fly to the United States?
SAA flies direct into Washington 7 times a week and Washington Dulles Airport is an excellent connecting point to see the rest of North America, as our Star Alliance partner, United Airlines has a hub there.
Is SAA flying internationally?
SAA serves regional routes between Johannesburg and six African destinations - Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka, Lagos, Mauritius and 2 domestic routes from Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban. SAA is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance.
Which airlines are flying internationally from South Africa?
International flights are available through various airlines, such as British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Etihad and more.
Where does South African Airways fly to in USA?
Where does South African Airways fly to in the U.S.? South African Airways flies to Washington, D.C. (IAD) and New York City (JFK).
Are there any direct flights from the US to South Africa?
From the USA to South Africa From the U.S.A the only direct flight to South Africa is with South African Airways and Delta Air Lines. SAA from New York (JFK) and Washington Dulles. Delta Airlines from Atlanta. Both Air Lines fly to Johannesburg.
Does SAA fly to UK?
South African Airways brings you the best international flight specials travelling to all your favourite destinations! View all our special flight offers to and from London here.
Does SAA fly to Australia?
SAA flies into Perth daily and you can rest assured that these flights to Perth deliver excellent turnaround times and world-class facilities. So, whether it be for business or leisure, make sure Perth is on your list of places to visit.
Which airline is the best in South Africa?
South African AirwaysSouth African Airways Over the years they have racked up an impressive 14 Skytrax Awards and became the first 4-star airline in Africa, setting the standard for aviation service on the continent. Amongst its many achievements, it also boasts the title of “Best Airline in Africa.”
What is the cheapest destination from South Africa?
For South Africans, Turkey is one of the most affordable countries to visit from South Africa that packs a punch when it comes to someplace unusual. This rand-friendly holiday destination has a lot to offer.
Is Qatar still flying from South Africa?
We would be happy to assist in any way. With immediate effect, #QatarAirways will no longer be operating flights from five South African countries – Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe – due to the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
Can South Africans fly to Qatar?
Yes, there are multiple flights from South Africa to Qatar for under R8 500.
How many hours is it from Washington DC to South Africa?
16 hours, 42 minutes.
What's happening with SAA?
After 17 months in administration the airline finally emerged from business rescue in April 2021 and in June the Minister for Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, announced that 51% of SAA would be sold to the Takatso consortium which included Harith General Partners and Global Aviation.
Is South African Airlines part of Star Alliance?
South African Airways is the national airline of South Africa. Air New Zealand and South African Airways connect with each other in Perth and Hong Kong. South African Airways became the 18th airline to join the Star Alliance in April 2006.
How many hours is it from Washington to South Africa?
Flying time from Washington, DC to South Africa The total flight duration from Washington, DC to South Africa is 16 hours, 29 minutes.
What's the best way to book South African Airways first class?
Currently, South African Airways doesn’t operate a long-haul first class cabin on flights to the U.S. As a result, you can’t redeem any points or m...
What's the best ways to book South African Airways business class?
One of the cheapest ways to book South African Airways business class is using ANA miles. You can spend 104,000 ANA miles for a round-trip ticket o...
What are the best ways to book South African Airways premium economy class?
Currently, South African Airways doesn’t operate a premium economy product. All of their U.S. routes only have 2-cabin configurations: business and...
What's the best ways to book South African Airways economy class?
Currently, ANA charges 65,000 miles for round-trip flights in economy. Other options include Virgin Atlantic, which charges 70,000 miles from Washi...
Where does South African Airways fly out of?
South African Airways primarily flies out of its Johannesburg (JNB) hub. However, they also operate flights out of their Cape Town (CPT) focus city...
Where does South African Airways fly to in the U.S.?
South African Airways flies to Washington, D.C. (IAD) and New York City (JFK).
South African Airways routes and airport map
Find all South African Airways flights, destinations, routes and airports on this interactive airline map.
Where does South African Airways fly?
South African Airways (Star Alliance) serves 2 domestic destinations and 6 international destinations in 7 countries, as of November 2021.
More airline route maps
Looking for direct flights, routes or flight schedules operated by another airline? Search for an airline below to view their route map, destinations and time schedules:
How many countries does South African Airways fly to?
South African Airways flies to 20 destinations in 17 countries in Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australasia. The airline has a strong presence in Southern Africa. Within South Africa, SAA operates to five cities, however the airline has an extensive domestic and regional network through its affiliate partners such as its LCC Mango Airlines, Airlink, and South African Express .
What was the name of the South African Airways?
South African Airways was formed on 1 February 1934 following the acquisition of Union Airways by the South African government. Forty staff members, along with one de Havilland DH.60 Gypsy Moth, one de Havilland DH.80A Puss Moth, three Junkers F.13s and a leased Junkers F13 and Junkers A50 were among the acquired aircraft. Upon acquisition, the government changed the airline's name to South African Airways. It then came under control of the South African Railways and Harbours Administration (now Transnet ). Charter operations started that year. On 1 February the following year, the carrier acquired Suidwes Lugdiens / South West Airways (now Air Namibia ), which had since 1932 been providing a weekly air-mail service between Windhoek and Kimberley. During this time, South African ordered three Junkers Ju 52/3m aircraft, which were delivered in October 1934 and entered service 10 days later. These aircraft were configured to carry 14 passengers, along with four crew. They enabled thrice-weekly Durban– Johannesburg services, with weekly services on the Durban – East London – Port Elizabeth –George/ Mossel Bay – Cape Town route. On 1 July 1935, SAA moved its operations to Rand Airport as it became increasingly obvious that Johannesburg would become the country's aviation hub, which coincided with the launching of Rand–Durban–East London–Port Elizabeth–Cape Town services. From July the following year a weekly Rand–Kimberley– Beaufort West –Cape Town service commenced; in April 1936, all Rand–Cape Town services were taken over from Imperial Airways. A fourth Ju 52/3m soon joined the fleet.
What bank was the first to call in the SAA loan?
In September 2017, SAA began reducing its fleet and expected to cut 23% of its flights. Standard Chartered Bank was the first bank in June 2017 to call-in its SAA loan. The South African government provided R2.2 billion to settle the debt. Citibank was the second bank to refuse extending the loan facility. Together with some others, another R7.7 billion became payable at the end of September 2017. The South African treasury asked the Public Investment Corporation, which controls government pension funds, for R100 billion to help bailout state-owned enterprises, including SAA.
What aircraft did the SAAF use in the 1930s?
Following the war, frequencies were increased and more routes were opened, which necessitated the conversion of three South African Air Force Envoys to passenger layout. These aircraft would prove to be unsuitable for passenger and cargo services and were returned to the SAAF after the arrival of the Junkers Ju 86s. The main aircraft of SAA in the 1930s was the Junkers Ju 52. Other types used in the 1930s included eighteen Junkers Ju 86s, which served from 1937 onwards.
Why did South African Airways suspend flights?
In January 2020, South African Airways announced that it woils suspend several routes, e.g. to Munich in order to reduce its financial struggle. In February 2020, the airline introduced its first of four newly leased Airbus A350-900s in an attempt to modernize its loss-making long-haul fleet.
Why did Delta Air Lines terminate their codeshare agreement?
On 6 June 2006, the codeshare agreement between South African Airways and Delta Air Lines was terminated because of the airlines' memberships in rival alliances ( Star Alliance and SkyTeam respectively).
When did SAA change its name?
In 1997 SAA changed its name, image and aircraft livery and introduced online ticketing services. In 2006, SAA was split from Transnet, its parent company, to operate as an independent airline. It remains one of the largest of South Africa's state-owned enterprises.
YOUR SAFETY
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Botswana
Experience the ultimate African safari at one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. Explore the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. Discover Botswana with direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Zimbabwe
Discover Zimbabwe's culture, heritage and natural wonders like the Victoria Falls or 3000-year-old rock art. Experience white-water rafting or fishing on the Zambezi. Fly Airlink to Zimbabwe with direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Namibia
Explore the world's oldest desert or the wildlife of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers diverse attractions and landscapes. Discover Namibia with direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Where is South African Airways located?
The carrier operates from its hub at O. R. Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg, South Africa, with a focus city location at Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town.
What is the name of the airline that flies to Africa?
South African Airways was founded in 1934 and is the national carrier of South Africa. The airline flies to over 35 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America.
How long is the flight from East London to South Africa?
East London, South Africa - SAA offers 72 flights per month with a flight time of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Find roundtrip tickets for $217.
How long is the flight from Port Elizabeth to SAA?
Port Elizabeth, South Africa - SAA offers 14 flights per month with a flight time of 1 hour and 35 minutes. Find roundtrip tickets for $217.
How long is the flight from Durbin to SAA?
Durbin, South Africa - SAA offers 44 flights per month with a flight time of 1 hour and 5 minutes. Find roundtrip tickets for $124.
What aircraft does South African Airways use?
South African Airways operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The newest addition to the fleet is the Airbus A330-300 featuring 203 Economy Class seats and comfortable flat-beds in Business Class. The largest of the fleet is the Airbus 340-300/600 with 215 Economy Class seats - ideal for long-haul and overseas flights. Other Airbus models include A330-200, A320-200, and A319-100. For domestic flights, the airline uses the Boeing B737-800 aircraft.
How many bags can you carry on an African flight?
On most international flights, Business class is allowed two bags up to 70 pounds each while Economy Class passengers can have two 50 pound bags. Some routes have stipulations, and these can be found under the “baggage” section on the airline’s website. Carry on bags must not exceed 18 pounds and they must fit under the seat in front of you, or in the overhead bins. In addition to the carry on, passengers may bring a small personal item, such as a purse or briefcase.
What is South African Airways?
South African Airways. South African Airways (SAA) is a leading airline on the African continent. From their hub in Johannesburg, South African Airways carries passengers on to six continents including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Visit www.flysaa.com for more information. ...
How to book award travel on South African Airways?
You can book award travel on South African Airways through united.com. Service charges may apply for booking or changing award reservations, depending on ticketing, travel dates and MileagePlus status. Award tickets cannot be issued at the airport. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (. 1-800-864-8331.

Overview
History
South African Airways was founded in 1934 after the acquisition of Union Airways by the South African government. The airline was initially overseen and controlled by South African Railways and Harbours Administration. Anti-apartheid sanctions by African countries deprived the airline of stopover airports during apartheid, forcing it to bypass the continent with long-range aircraft. Dur…
Corporate affairs
South African Airways is headquartered in Airways Park on the grounds of OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The building was developed by Stauch Vorster Architects. Completed in March 1997 for R70 million, the 27,000-square-metre (290,000 sq ft) current head-office building links to three older buildings.
Destinations
South African Airways flies to 10 destinations in 7 countries within Africa as of June 2022. Within South Africa, SAA operates to only three cities; however, the airline previously had an extensive domestic and regional network through its affiliate partners such as its LCC Mango Airlines, Airlink, and South African Express.
South African Airways has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
Services
Business class
South African Airways' Airbus A330-200/-300 business-class seats have a pitch of 73" and 75" respectively whilst those in the A340-300s/-600s are pitched at 73" and 74" respectively; in a 2-2-2 configuration in both types. Passengers receive a welcome pack, a duvet & full-size pillow and a personal touchscreen …
Accidents and incidents
• On 16 June 1937, a Junkers Ju 52/3m (registration ZS-AKY) was destroyed by fire after it crashed on take-off at Port Elizabeth Airport following engine failure in two engines. All on board escaped. This was the airline's first accident in which passengers were injured.
• On 16 October 1937, a Junkers W34 fi (registration ZS-AEC), named Sir George Grey, crashed during a mail flight. The aeroplane was …
See also
• Airlines of Africa – Airlines
• Airlink – Regional airline in South Africa
• Congo Express – Regional airline in the DRC
• List of companies of South Africa
Further reading
• Marson, Peter J. (1982). The Lockheed Constellation Series. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-100-2.
• "South African Airways: A Brief History". SAA Museum Society.
• "South African Airways = FUBAR". Word of Mouth Music.