SAA Leverages CemAir Partnership To Rebuild Its Route Network And Support Long-Term Growth

SAA is leaning on partnerships to rebuild its network, with its codeshare with CemAir becoming a key player in its feeder airline strategy to support regional and long-haul expansion. 

Following the collapse of SAA’s proposed strategic equity partnership with the Takatso Consortium in March 2024, the airline repeatedly expressed interest in securing another investor to support its restructuring and route expansion ambitions. 

Recently, the airline revealed to ch-aviation that it was also considering creating or investing in a domestic feeder carrier to support its restructuring plan. 

Feeder strategy

In an interview with Travel News, Vimla Maistry, Head of SAA Group Corporate Affairs, explained that SAA’s codeshare partnership with CemAir, was an important enabler of SAA’s feeder strategy.

“CemAir brings strong regional and secondary‑city coverage across South Africa, which complements SAA’s trunk routes. This partnership will enable SAA to improve its network reach, without duplicating capacity in markets already well served by regional operators,” said Maistry.

“This approach allows SAA to grow sustainably by working with established partners, strengthening our network while managing cost and fleet utilisation responsibly.”

Fleet optimisation

Maistry explained that the feeder strategy would support SAA’s plans to improve load factors on its long-haul and regional services, while enabling more optimised utilisation of its widebody and narrowbody fleet.

She added that SAA’s more premium-heavy aircraft were central to the airline’s long-haul ambitions. 

“Corporate and high-yield travellers drive sustainability on international routes. Our premium-class offering is intentionally built to compete in this segment, supporting our goal to grow into targeted intercontinental markets in the coming years,” she said.

International expansion

In the past year, SAA has indicated that it is looking to operate routes to international destinations in East Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the US and UK.

“SAA continues to take a measured, commercially disciplined approach to network expansion. Our expansion focus areas include high‑demand intercontinental markets where SAA historically had a strong presence, strategic African gateways that support regional connectivity into Johannesburg and long-haul opportunities aligned with fleet availability and bilateral rights,” said Maistry.

The airline has already submitted applications for rights to operate routes between Johannesburg and Zanzibar; Doha, Qatar; Mumbai, India; Bali, Indonesia; Shanghai, China; Bangkok, Thailand; Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, Australia; and Auckland and Wellington; New Zealand.

“Applications to the Air Services Licensing Council and other authorities are made as required once route feasibility, fleet availability, and bilateral matters align,” she clarified.

“SAA continues to evaluate opportunities and will announce new routes once approvals and commercial conditions are in place.”