South African Airways (SAA) celebrates its 76th Anniversary in 2010 and is one of the oldest airlines in the world. SAA has received numerous “Best African Airline” awards from different leading magazines and international organizations.

The airline was founded on 1 February 1934 after the South African government took over the assets and liabilities of Union Airways, which up until then operated as an air mail service. It was named South African Airways and fell under the administration of the South African Railways and Harbours.

The airline operates one of the most technologically advanced aircraft fleets in the world and offers an exclusive and highly rated product. The vision of SAA is to be a profitable African Airline with Global Reach underpinned by values of safety, valuing its people, customer focused, accountability and integrity.

SAA is one of the leading and most experienced carriers within Africa offering over 20 destinations across the continent, as well as major destinations within South Africa, including its hub, Johannesburg. SAA’s international network creates links to all continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes and 19 codeshares. SAA accounts for approximately 38 % of all international arrivals in South Africa.

SAA’s fleet consists of 51 aircraft including new A340-600, A340-300e and A319. Many leading airlines are customers of SAA Technical, the largest and most advanced maintenance provider on the African continent.