South African Airways
South AfricaAbout the airline
South African Airways (SA/SAA) is the flag carrier of South Africa, founded in 1934. Based at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, it operates a modern fleet across Africa and to Australia and Brazil. Known for being the first African airline to join Star Alliance.
Fleet
South African Airways (IATA: SA, ICAO: SAA) is South Africa's national airline, established in 1934. The carrier operates from two major hubs: O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport, positioning itself as a regional and intercontinental gateway.
As of February 2026, South African Airways serves 17 destinations including 13 across Africa and 2 intercontinental routes to Perth, Australia and São Paulo, Brazil. The airline operates a modern fleet of 19 aircraft, providing connectivity across the continent and beyond. In April 2006, South African Airways made history as the first African carrier to join Star Alliance, one of the world's three major airline alliances, significantly expanding its global reach and partnership network.
The airline's fleet comprises narrow-body and wide-body Airbus aircraft, including the A319, A320, A330, A340, and A350, alongside Boeing 737s. This diverse mix allows South African Airways to efficiently operate both short-haul regional routes and long-haul intercontinental services. The carrier is headquartered at Airways Park on the O.R. Tambo complex and offers the Voyager frequent-flyer program to regular passengers.