SAA cancels 38 “low demand” domestic and international flights

As part of its normal flight consolidation and review processes but also owing to the ongoing business rescue project, the cash strapped South Africa Airways (SAA), the airline has announced 38 domestic and international flight cancellations over the week to save money.

In a statement released two hours after travel group Flight Centre warned customers on Twitter that SAA had cancelled a number of flights, the airline said this move was in line with its “usual policy of reviewing flights and consolidating services with low demand”. 

Read: Government still looking for R2bn to save SAA

“Furthermore, during the current process of Business Rescue, these cancellations represent a responsible strategy to conserve cash and optimise the airline’s position ahead of any further capital investment,” said the embattled carrier. 

Domestic flights between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town have been affected while internationally SAA’s selected services to Munich have been cancelled. 

The airline alluded to the fact that there could be further cancellations in the coming days. “Any operational changes will be communicated to our travel trade partners and customers at the earliest opportunity and passengers will be re-accommodated on other airlines wherever possible”.

“Re-accomodate” 

“SAA is working closely with its sister airline, Mango, to re-accommodate passengers on alternative services operated by both airlines to minimise disruption, and thereby ensure passengers reach their destination as quickly as possible.

“SAA will re-accommodate passengers on its services between Johannesburg and Frankfurt as well as London Heathrow. Some passengers travelling to Munich, and others travelling via Munich to other destinations, will be re-accommodated for some of their journey on partner airlines in the Star Alliance to minimise delays,” it said.

Read: SAA flights at risk without R2bn from govt – union

Despite promising to fund R2 billion of SAA’s business rescue plans after the board made a resolution to undergo the process last year, the government has yet to find the money needed. The process requires R4 billion, half of which is guaranteed and has been raised from private banks and the remaining R2 billion is still up in the air. 

On Sunday evening the Public Enterprises Ministry said it was working with Treasury to find the money. 

The following domestic flights operated by SAA have been cancelled:

Johannesburg (JNB) – Cape Town (CPT)

SA303              Depart 0530  Arrive 0735   Dates: 20, 21 & 24 January

SA307              Depart 0700  Arrive 0905   Dates: 21 January

Cape Town (CPT) – Johannesburg (JNB)

SA316              Depart 0820  Arrive 1015   Dates: 20, 21 & 24 January

SA322              Depart 0950  Arrive 1145   Dates: 21 January

Johannesburg (JNB) – Durban (DUR)

SA527              Depart 0630  Arrive 0735   Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA543              Depart 0955  Arrive 1100   Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA571              Depart 1655  Arrive 1800   Dates: 20 & 21 January

 

Durban (DUR) – Johannesburg (JNB)

SA534              Depart 0805  Arrive 0910   Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA550              Depart 1130  Arrive 1235   Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA578              Depart 1840  Arrive 1945   Dates: 20 & 21 January

On the international front: 

Johannesburg (JNB) – Munich (MUC)

SA264              Depart 2115  Arrive 0700   Dates: 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 January

Munich (MUC) – Johannesburg (JNB)

SA265              Depart 2030  Arrive 0820   Dates: 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 January