Embattled SAA is set to cut routes in sub-Saharan Africa where it is "bleeding deeply", sources familiar with the airline's turnaround strategy have said. Cutting routes is likely to put a dent in SAA's status as a regional hub - amid intense competition from rival operators Ethiopian Airways and Kenyan Airways. Ethiopian Airways has been increasing its footprint into southern Africa. Earlier this week the airline was awarded a licence by the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute to operate domestic routes in Mozambique. "We are in the process of turning around the airline and the first thing that we need to do is cut routes where we are bleeding deeply," said an SAA executive who asked to remain anonymous. The Central African Republic has now been added to the list of destinations in Africa earmarked for the chop by the airline. It is understood that other routes include Brazzaville in the Congo, Libreville in Gabon, Kigali in Rwanda, and Lilongwe and Blantyre in Malawi. Estimates pu...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.