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SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
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BRIEF HISTORY
From Johannesburg, SAA's hub, the national carrier of South Africa flies to over
35 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia and
North and South America. From our first flight in February 1934 we have welcomed
the world to South Africa by showing off the warm generous heart of the country.
We have become a global airline whose excellence - 14 Skytrax awards
acknowledging us as the best African airline and Africa’s first 4 star
airline - has been built a dedication to excellence and embracing innovation.
Becoming the best airline in Africa does not happen overnight. We have more than
80 years of excellence and innovation to draw on. Here are just some of the
innovations that have set us apart over the eight decades that we have been
bringing Africa to the world:
1930S
South Africa Airways began operations on 1 February 1934, when the South African
government took over the assets and liabilities of Union Airways. The airline
was renamed South African Airways (SAA), and fell under the control of the South
African Railways and Harbour administration.
On 1 November 1934, SAA introduced Junkers Ju 52/3m, the first multi-engine
aircraft, on its domestic routes. During the 30s, 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.
1940S
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) was founded in Havana in
April 1945, and SAA became one of 44 active founding members.
In November 1945 SAA introduced the Springbok service, its first
inter-continental service. The flight took off from Palmietfontein, with stops
in Nairobi, Khartoum, Cairo, Castel Benito and Bournemouth and took 34 hours.
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.
1950S
The official opening of Jan Smuts International Airport was held in Kempton Park
on 17 April 1952. In 1953 a SAA operated BOAC Comet took off from Johannesburg
en-route to London, in the process becoming the first airline outside the UK to
operate jet aircraft.
In November 1957 the first SAA flight departed for Perth. Today our Wallaby
service provides a daily connection between Australia and Africa and has
expanded with our codeshare partner Virgin Australia.
1960S
The 1960s South African Airways extended its orange tail insignia across the
entire fleet.
In March 1967, our Wallaby service became the first weekly jet service between
South Africa and Australia.
In 1968 we made an inaugural flight from Johannesburg to Rio de Janeiro using a
Boeing 707.
The 1968/1969 financial year was the first time SAA carried more than a million
passengers.
1970S
The 70s welcomed new arrivals: our first Boeing 747B, ZS-SAN 'Lebombo' and
Airbus 'Blesbok' At the same time, we sought to improve our traffic growth on
domestic and regional routes by purchasing 12 Boeing 737s, three Boeing 747SPs
and four Airbus A300s.
On March 23, 1976 an SAA Boeing 747SP (special performance) set a record for the
longest non-stop commercial flight when it flew from Seattle to Cape Town, a
distance of 16 560 km's covered in 17 hours and 22 minutes.
On 24 April 1976, South African Airways operated the world's first commercial
flight using a Boeing 747SP. The aircraft flew on the
Johannesburg-Lisbon-Rome-Athens service.
On 6 January 1977, the Boeing 747SP made its first scheduled flight between
Johannesburg and Sydney. The flight offered in-flight audio entertainment and
movies.
1980S
In April 1981, South African Airways introduced a three-class service for an
Australian flight: Blue Diamond First class, Gold class for Business passengers
and Silver class for Economy class travellers.
Due to economic sanctions, flights to New York were suspended in November 1986.
The USA withdrew from its landing rights in South Africa. The following year,
the Australian government took the same action against South Africa.
1990S
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.
On board domestic flights, SAA introduced multi-lingual greetings in English,
Zulu, Sotho and Afrikaans. On international flights, passengers were greeted in
the relevant language of their destination.
SAA's Cadet Pilot Training programme was launched to provide previously
disadvantaged individuals an opportunity to become pilots.
On 24 June 1995 a SAA Boeing 747 captained by Laurie Kay produced one of sport’s
most memorable moments when he piloted his plane over Ellis Park ahead of the
Rugby World Cup final. It was described by a rugby writer as, "Completely
unexpected, brilliantly executed, totally thrilling," and a pass that will live
forever.
On 22 March 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. Even after discontinuing the Flying Springbok logo, SAA
retains the word springbok in its radio call sign.
2000S
South African Airways embarked on an extensive fleet renewal programme and
appointed Airbus as its supplier. The airline placed a staggering order for 41
new aircraft with a price tag of US$3.5 billion - Africa's biggest jetliner
acquisition.
SAA launched an online check-in system and a self-check-in kiosk, a simpler,
smarter and faster way for passengers to check in.
SAA signed a US$200 million deal with Rolls Royce to supply the airline’s nine
A340-600s with Rolls Royce Trent 500 engines.
After an absence of more than 40 years, South Africa was reinstated as a member
of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Thereafter, we became a member
of the global Star Alliance in April 2006, and with it came seamless worldwide
air travel. In addition, we unveiled two Star Alliance branded aircraft - a
737-800 and Airbus A340-600 - as part of the global network’s requirements.
In 2005 SAA became the first non-Saudi airline allowed to fly to Medina to carry
Muslim pilgrims going on Haj.
On 29 November 2007, we became the proud official carrier of the South African
rugby team, the Springboks, as part of a sponsorship agreement between the
airline and South African Rugby.
Alot has happened since the last update of this page and would be available
soon.
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