The world's eyes are currently on South Africa and its national carrier, South African Airways. SAA operates a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft from its hubs in Cape Town and Johannesburg and has a steady fleet renewal programme in place.
Airbus has announced that South African Airways has ordered five additional A320 aircraft, increasing its order from 15 to 20.
Current Fleet
- Nine A340-600s
- Six A340-300s
- Six A340-200s
- Two B747-400s
- 18 B737-800s
- 11 A319s
SAA's large order for narrow-body aircraft in the A320 fleet will start arriving from 2012 and the airline will soon be entering discussions with manufacturers regarding a fleet renewal programme, which will include a complete change to its wide-body fleet.
SAA also has orders for six A330-200s that will start arriving from February next year to replace its A340-200 fleet. In addition, it is also likely to have two A340-300s and two 737-800 joining the fleet later this year.
Airline Requirements
South African is analysing new destinations as part of its long-term network development plan, but there are likely to be new routes added in the short-term.
SAA is interested in hearing from airports wishing to attract new long-haul international services as well as airports on the African continent. This includes offers of destinations that they don't currently serve in the network, as well as offers for marketing support, airport charges discounts etc.
The airline does also want to see what airports in its current network can offer them if it decides to increase services (aircraft gauge or number of flights). If it has access to good quality market data, then that will also be interesting, but it needs to be presented well and preferably in English.
SAA is not interested in brochures about tourist attractions, but wants to see data (passenger numbers per route, trade stats, South African companies doing business in country and vice versa, airport infrastructure, expansion plans).
The airline is predominantly planning S11, but is flexible with the planning process if there are new opportunities.
To send a proposal to South African Airways, please visit their online profile.
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