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SAA Expands Fleet with New Airbus A320s, Embarks on New Era with Continued Growth and Recovery

South African Airways (SAA) has kicked off 2025 with a major milestone as the airline continues its recovery journey following its emergence from business rescue. In a move that signals the airline’s growing prominence in the aviation industry, SAA has expanded its fleet with the addition of two leased narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing the total number of planes in its fleet to an impressive 20.
#SAAnews | SAA Fleet expands to 20 aircraft ✈🙌🇿🇦
We have added two aircraft to our fleet in the last two weeks, bringing our total to 20 aircraft. We are also implementing a plan to add five more aircraft to our fleet during the 2025 calendar year.
Read more:… pic.twitter.com/KyGn4MSeKy
— SAA – South Africa (@flysaa) January 23, 2025
This expansion is a testament to the airline’s remarkable progress since its struggle in the wake of financial difficulties. Just three years ago, SAA had only six planes in operation, but with this recent fleet addition, the airline has demonstrated significant improvement in its financial standing and operational capacity. The two Airbus A320s, which proudly sport SAA’s iconic livery, arrived in Johannesburg from AerCap, a leading global aircraft leasing firm based in Ireland, marking the strengthening of SAA’s relationships with prominent international aviation finance institutions.
SAA’s interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, expressed pride in the airline’s recovery, emphasizing the airline’s strategic and consistent efforts to grow both its fleet and route network in a sustainable manner. “Since 2021, the team at SAA has worked strategically and consistently to grow the fleet and route network sustainably,” Lamola stated. “These additional aircraft will enable SAA to continue fulfilling our promise to add seat capacity and contribute to the affordability of passenger air travel.”
The airline’s ongoing efforts to expand its fleet align with the growing demand for air travel and are poised to significantly enhance SAA’s passenger capacity in both domestic and regional markets. The new A320s are expected to further bolster SAA’s services and operational reach, helping to solidify the airline’s position in the competitive aviation landscape.
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many South African Airways supporters expressing excitement for the airline’s resurgence. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), users celebrated the news with messages of support and enthusiasm for SAA’s success. One user, @GI_Irvin, expressed admiration, saying, “Wow, well done 👏 to the management. SAA is back!!!”
Wow well done 👏 to the management. SAA is back!!!
— Anold(I B Bak)Swaznegha (@GI_Irvin) January 23, 2025
Another user, @Sonia_zwa, remarked, “Nice to see the oldest airline in Africa becoming great again,”
Nice to see the oldest airline in Africa becoming great again
— Sonia Zwane (Mangethe) (@Sonia_zwa) January 23, 2025
while @GiftMasina5 congratulated the airline’s board, management, and staff on their impressive achievements.
We welcome this latest developments and congratulations to SAA board and management and staff. We want to see a prospering SAA with many aircrafts and routes
— Gift Masina (@GiftMasina5) January 24, 2025
Looking ahead, SAA has ambitious plans to further expand its fleet in 2025, with an additional five aircraft scheduled for acquisition. This strategic fleet augmentation is set to strengthen SAA’s market presence, expand its route network, and improve its ability to meet the rising demand for air travel. The airline’s recovery journey continues to unfold, and with its sights set on growth, it is well-positioned to contribute to the improvement of air travel in South Africa and beyond.
As South African Airways continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to enhancing passenger services and expanding operational capacity is clear. With more aircraft on the way and plans for further expansion, SAA’s future looks promising as it works to become a leading player in the global aviation market once again.
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