South African Airways are proud to be the national airline of South Africa and deliver a world-class experience over all our years of flying. Our history dates back to 1 February 1934, when the South African government took over Union Airways and the airline was renamed South African Airways.
On 1 November 1934, we introduced Junkers Ju 52/3m, the first multi-engine aircraft, and during the 30's the airline steadily acquired more planes, including the first 10-seater Junkers Ju 86s, DC-3s, Constellation L-749As, Lockheed Lodestar, DC-7Bs Vickers Viscounts and the Boeing 707.
The outbreak of World War II resulted in commercial services being suspended until December 1944, but on their re-opening SAA modernised in-flight service and entertainment by introducing air hostesses on domestic flights and a cinema on the direct service between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
In 1953, we operated our first Comet Springbok service from London to Johannesburg using a BOAC Comet, and in the process became the first airline outside the UK to operate jet aircraft.
The SAA fleet continued to grow throughout the 60’s with a number of firsts such as regular services to Australia and Rio de Janeiro. We also extended the orange tail insignia across the entire fleet.
The 70's welcomed more new arrivals of aircraft as well as the growth of our domestic and regional routes. On 6th January 1977, the Boeing 747SP made its first scheduled flight between Johannesburg and Sydney. The flight offered in-flight audio entertainment and movies.
Due to Anti-apartheid sanctions, flights to New York were suspended in November 1986. The USA withdrew from its landing rights in South Africa with the Australian government taking the same action against South Africa the following year.
However, the 90's evoked a decade of positive change and renewed relationships. For the first time in 28 years, SAA flights operated via Sudan and Egypt. Economic sanctions against South Africa were lifted, and flights to New York and Australia resumed.
In 1997, SAA unveiled a new corporate identity with its aircraft tail designed to reflect the colours of South Africa’s new national flag: red, blue, gold, black and green.
This takes us up to the current day where we are still working hard to build relationships and grow our route network. We have recently ordered 20 new aircraft to operate on regional and domestic routes from South Africa and will soon be looking to upgrade our long-haul fleet.
We are proud to be the national airline of South Africa and to have delivered a world-class experience over all our years of flying, with our warm South African hospitality.