South African Airways Business Class Flights
South African Airways Business Class is part of the flagship offering by South African Airways, the national carrier airline of South Africa. It is headquartered in Airways Park at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park.
Business Class Ownership and Network
Under it ownership, the airline has interests in SA Express, SA Airlink, and its low-cost carrier Mango. As a result, they are able to fly to 56 destinations within South Africa and around the world from their hub in Johannesburg.
Fleet and Historical Background
The airline owns a total of 47 airplanes. Founded in 1934, South African Airways began operations following the acquisition of Union Airways by the South African government.
Managing Political Unrest and Economic Challenges
The 1980s were a particularly difficult time for expansion. This was mainly due to being banned from landing in various African countries for their position on apartheid. At that time, they operated under their Afrikaans name, Suid-Afrikaansa Lugdiens.
However, in 1997, SA Airways replaced their emblem and old national colors with a new livery. Their name was also changed to South African Airways, and they joined the Star Alliance program.
Business Class Leadership Changes and Operational Shifts
In a significant move, the state-owned airline hired a new CEO to investigate why the airline was struggling. Market research revealed the issues were a result of a “failure to fly on time, unfriendly and minimally trained staff, poor food, and fares 25% higher than competitors.” Fortunately, Mr. Andrews managed to turn the airline around, and its market value increased fivefold.
South African Airways Business Class Restructuring Efforts
In May 2007, South African Airways launched an 18-month comprehensive restructuring program aimed at transforming the unprofitable airline. During this period, they sold off seven subsidiaries and chose to focus on core passenger business. Nevertheless, scandals and poor operations continued to follow the airline.
International Flights and Business Class Route Adjustments
South African Airways began business class flights to Beijing, China in 2012. However, Buenos Aires flights ended in 2013. By 2015, the airline determined that its only profitable long-haul routes were to Hong Kong, Munich, Frankfurt, and Perth.
Headquarters and Architectural Design
South African Airways is headquartered in Airways Park, located on the grounds of OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park. The building was developed by Stauch Vorster Architects.
The Legacy of the “Flying Springbok” in South African Airways Business Class
The “Flying Springbok” logo was introduced when the airline was created in 1934 and remained until 1997. Although the logo was discontinued when the airline received a new name and livery, the word “Springbok” lives on as the airline’s radio callsign.
