By Zuko Komisa
South African Airways (SAA), a state-owned airline, has taken action to reassure passengers that it will continue to fly the routes it currently serves.
According to aviation analyst Phuthego Mojapele, the ailing airline was unable to demonstrate that it had the necessary employees, facilities, and equipment to service the routes, which is why the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) cancelled the licenses.
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This followed rumours that 20 of the airline’s domestic and international route rights may have been cancelled by the International Air Services Licencing Council.
SAA IS NOT LOSING ITS CURRENT ROUTE RIGHTS UPDATE ON DOMESTIC, REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL ROUTES. SAA continues to operate its current network and schedule with 6 regional and 3 domestic destinations. Click the link for the full media statement https://t.co/Eg9QDzkB0U pic.twitter.com/WXB37nq8AH
— SAA – South Africa (@flysaa) September 30, 2022
SAA added that it will be ramping up operations with additional equipment being purchased for its current fleet.
“SAA continues to operate its current network and schedule, with six regional and three domestic destinations. Currently, the airline has deployed additional capacity on the Cape Town route to meet demand, and we have increased the aircraft size on the Harare route.
“SAA made a representation to the International Air Services Licensing Council (The Council) on its current route allocation and the decision by the Council to review some of the frequencies on the routes that the airline is currently not serving,” SAA said in a statement.
The airline also added that there is no doubt that it still retains a high brand equity and customer loyalty, which is demonstrated by successfully operating six in-demand routes in Africa.
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