South African Airways Expands Fleet with Two More Aircraft

One of Africa's leading airlines, South African Airways, has expanded its fleet with the addition of two aircraft in the last two weeks, growing its fleet size to 20 aircraft.

The two leased Airbus A320s have arrived in Johannesburg from Ireland-based AerCap, the world’s number one aircraft leasing company. SAA’s relationship with AerCap is one proof of the recovery of the airline’s credit status with major international aviation finance institutions.

“This is a remarkable achievement considering that just over three years ago, the airline emerged from business rescue with just six aircraft. Since 2021, the team at SAA has worked strategically and consistently to grow the fleet and route network sustainably.

These additional aircraft will enable SAA to continue fulfilling our promise to add seat capacity in both the domestic and regional market and thereby contributing to the affordability of passenger air travel, ” says Professor John Lamola, interim CEO at SAA.

The aviation industry is currently facing post-COVID-19 supply chain crisis that has delayed new aircraft deliveries and increased the cost and scarcity of second-hand aircraft.

Besides the A320s, South African Airways’ 20-strong fleet comprises wide-body A330s and long-range A340-300s, which are well-suited for the two intercontinental routes that were relaunched last year – from Johannesburg to São Paulo and Perth and Cape Town to São Paulo.

South African Airways is rolling out a plan of adding five aircraft to its fleet during this 2025 calendar year.

“SAA’s fleet growth comes as the airline enters a phase of consolidation, increasing the frequency of flights to service an existing route network, to ensure South African leisure and business travellers enjoy more direct access to major African cities. In addition, SAA Cargo facilitates trade links between economic hubs across the continent and beyond,” Lamola added.  

Just yesterday, 20 January 2025, South African Airways launched a connection between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg and is expanding flight frequency on its services to Harare and Lusaka to 12 flights per week, up from 10 and seven flights a week, respectively.

Flights to Lagos and Accra have been increased from 3 to 4 times a week, while Kinshasa is now 5 times a week. The airline began flying to Lubumbashi in November 2024.