Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe (free)
  • Subscribe (free)
  • News
  • Features
  • TravelInfo
  • Columns
  • Community
  • Sponsored
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send Us News

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

‘It’s not us!’ – SAA

23 May 2024
Comments | 0

After speculation over which southern African airline Qatar Airways would buy, Prof. John Lamola, Interim CEO of SAA, has confirmed that it isn’t SAA.

Lamola was speaking at the African Aviation Summit on Wednesday, May 22. Following the carrier’s private equity deal with the Takatso Consortium, which fell through in March, Lamola highlighted some of the qualities that the Board of SAA was looking for in a potential strategic partner.

“We are South Africa’s national carrier… and we’re looking for a partner that will respect the mission of SAA,” said Lamola, adding that SAA’s strategy was aligned with the current National Development Plan.

The second characteristic of any potential equity partner, explained Lamola, was a capital injection. 

“SAA requires a financial injection to recapitalise SAA in its second phase, where we will be moving into the modernisation of our fleet in line with the global requirements of decarbonisation,” he said.

In addition to modernising its fleet, Lamola underscored that the airline continued to be a training ground for the development of skills within the country’s aviation sector. He also emphasised that SAA was committed to providing opportunities for previously marginalised groups such as women.

As part of what Lamola refers to as its ‘post-Takatso strategy’, he said SAA was engaging in discussions with various government bodies, such as the Department of Transport, on how it could grow without jeopardising the stability of the airline industry.

When asked if SAA had enough cash in its coffers to remain viable, Lamola said it was blessed with “a very strong balance sheet”.

“We have a debt-free balance sheet.”

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.

Cape and Sandton fuel Southern Sun growth

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

TAAG increases SA frequencies

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

Hard hats on: travel trade visits Tinley Manor

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

What it takes to run an airline for 100 years

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

Feature: The safety net for every traveller

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

Umhlanga hotel undergoes expansion

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

MSC orders two new World Class ships

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

Turkey theme park adds Nickelodeon attractions

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

Air travel round-up: Cathay resumes Adelaide flights

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (22May25)

22 May 2025
Comments | 0

SAF use in SA a distant dream

21 May 2025
Comments | 0

QR reports record profit

21 May 2025
Comments | 0

RwandAir shifts focus to East Africa

21 May 2025
Comments | 0
  • Load more

FeatureClick to view

Africa May 2025

Poll

Which countries are the best at issuing tourist visas?
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel News on Facebook
  • eTNW Twitter
  • Travel News RSS
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send Us News