According to the carrier, the first flights will commence on
Thursday 23 of September 2021.
SAA had suspended flights in response to the adverse effects
of Covid-19, which led to international travel restrictions. Several other
airlines had also halted operations including to Zimbabwe.
In a statement SAA interim chief executive, Mr Thomas
Kgokolo, said tickets were expected to go on sale starting Thursday, 26 August
2021 with the first flights taking off a month later.
"The wait is finally over. 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," he said.
"After months of diligent work, we are delighted that
SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming on board our loyal
passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier
and adhering to Covid-19 protocols."
Mr Kgokolo said as an initial phase, the airline will
operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka
and Maputo. More destinations will be added to the route network in response to
market conditions.
"There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within team
SAA as we prepare for take-off with one common purpose - to rebuild and sustain
a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local,
continental and international airlines."
He said the airline was aware of challenges currently
bedevilling the aviation sector and what lies ahead of the airline's operations
in the coming weeks ensuing resumption of flights.
"We thank South Africa for the support we have received
in getting us to where we are today. As we are now poised for takeoff, we see
this as a major milestone for SAA and the country," he said.
SAA board chair Mr John Lamola said since the carrier came
out of business rescue at the end of April 2021, it had been seized with planning
for the relaunching of a restructured and fit for purpose airline that South
Africans can again be proud of. He said the airline was restarting with a
formidable business case.
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