Arguably one of the hardest-hit industries since the start of the coronavirus pandemic is the aviation industry (though the restaurant, liquor and events industry may argue otherwise).
But airlines are ready to take to the sky once more when the ailing state-owned enterprise, South African Airways, announced yesterday they were ready to recommence operations from September 23 with ticket sales open from today.
In a statement from Thomas Kgokolo, interim chief executive, 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”
Kgokolo added the airline aimed to rebuild and maintain a sustainable and profitable airline.
The national carrier will initially offer flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo. More destinations will be added as the airline rebuilds its operations.
SAA has failed to turn a profit for ten years and has survived purely on state bailouts and debt guarantees, and since December 2019 has been in business rescue. In June, government agreed to sell a majority stake in the airline to the Takatso consortium. The consortium is made up of Global Airways, which operates low-cost carrier Lift, and private equity firm Harith General Partners.
Takatso will invest R3.5 billion into SAA over the next three years and take a 51% ownership stake. The Department of Public Enterprises recently told parliament that the due diligence process for the Takatso consortium was at an advanced stage and would soon be finalised.
While Comair operated British Airways and Kulula will recommence operations next week after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 restrictions and low demand for air travel.
In a statement, Comair said: “The airline has been working on new, flexible fare options to better meet customers’ requirements, and is also looking to reopen more routes such as Mauritius.”
Starting from November 30, British Airways will start flying to Mauritius again with flights operating twice a week.
Here’s a roundup of the world’s top and most interesting headlines:
SA Business
Stumbling block for looters as Samsung disables TVs stolen during unrest – Fin24
This SA leather bag business started by fluke – now its bold designs are making waves – Business Insider
Transnet to shed up to 10% of it’s labour force – SABC News
Global Business
Uber and union bosses to meet after landmark deal on workers’ rights – BBC News
Delta Air Lines to charge unvaccinated workers $200 a month – Sky News
Blockbuster movies create booms for tourism — and headaches for locals – CNBC
Markets
Gold Down, but Moves Small Ahead of Fed’s Jackson Hole Symposium – Investing.com
South Korea becomes first major Asian economy to raise interest rates – BBC News
Asian Stocks Down as Chinese Regulatory Tightening Continues – Investing.com
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