South African Airways

South African Airways is the national flag carrier airline of South Africa. The airline is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates domestic, regional and international passenger and cargo services from its hub at OR Tambo International Airport. South African Airways was founded in 1934, making it one of the oldest airlines in the world and the continent's first national carrier. The airline has historically served routes across Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, though its network has contracted significantly in recent years. South African Airways is a state-owned enterprise that has been wholly owned by the South African government since its founding. The carrier has faced severe financial difficulties for more than a decade, requiring repeated government bailouts and operating at a loss for most years since 2011. In December 2019, South African Airways entered business rescue, a form of bankruptcy protection under South African law, after the government indicated it would no longer provide unlimited financial support. The airline suspended all commercial flights in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and remained grounded for more than a year. South African Airways has featured prominently in investigations into State Capture, with allegations of corruption, mismanagement and irregular procurement involving major consultancies and suppliers. The airline resumed limited operations in September 2021 under a restructured business model with a significantly reduced fleet and route network.