SAA is ‘growing rapidly’ after years of struggles
South African Airways has faced significant challenges and is trying to rebuild.
South African Airways planes. Picture: Facebook
Clement Manyathela speaks with Derek Hanekom, Chairperson of the SAA Interim Board.
Listen to the interview in the audio below.
Our national airline has faced numerous issues simaltanously including corruption, pandemic difficulties, and being placed under business rescue.
The airline was grounded for 16 months and underwent business rescue in December 2019.
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In addition to this, it recently had to pay R5.4 million in a settlement with US aviation authorities after delayed refunds of unused pandemic tickets.
However, Hanekom says that these struggles are largely behind them, and they are moving forward.
“Our balance sheet is totally debt free.”
- Derek Hanekom, SAA Interim Board Chairperson
He says the SIU are investigating over 100 cases of corruption and the new company has adopted a zero-tolerance policy.
They have also had significant growth, going from 6 to 13 aircrafts, and expect to have 21 before the end of the year.
“We are growing quite rapidly… Badly damaged but recovery is quite remarkable actually.”
- Derek Hanekom, SAA Interim Board Chairperson
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.