Study shows SAA’s survival crucial of country’s economy

A study conducted by Oxford Economics Africa reveals that South African Airways’ survival is crucial to the local economy.

The study shows that SAA’s total economic contribution is projected to grow to R22.6 billion by 2029/30.

Last week the airline announced that it has posted its first profit since 2012.

Despite its improvement, SAA is still looking for a partner to help it gain its lost market share as per the growth strategy.

Professor John Lamola, SAA interim CEO, says the study also reveals that the airline in the past financial year contributed positively to the country’s economy.

“We had commissioned a study some months ago where we needed to say that South African Airways has a mandate that beyond its financial mattresses. It’s not about just making profit but it’s about stimulating the South African economy as a catalytic industry where we are promoting tourism movement, where we are promoting trade, where we are creating jobs and transformation. So, this study today by Oxford Economics Africa proved that for the for this past year of 2023/24, South African Airways contributed general value add to GDP of about R9 billion.”