South African Airways Lease Delays Push Fleet Growth to 2026
South African Airways’ fleet and network rebuilding plans have been delayed, with an Airbus A320-200 and two A330-200 aircraft originally due for delivery in 2025 now expected to enter service only in 2026. The aircraft, sourced from multiple lessors, are being retained longer by their current operators, according to SAA chief commercial officer Tebogo Tsimane.
Speaking to Aviation Week at the 57th annual general assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in Luanda, Angola, Tsimane said the delays have pushed back SAA’s recovery timeline. He noted that the additional capacity is critical to strengthening codeshare partnerships and improving network connectivity, as the airline continues to rebuild its hub-and-spoke schedule around Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, with Cape Town International as a secondary hub.
SAA is now seeking additional leased A330 aircraft to support network expansion, with potential entries into service targeted for the second half of 2026. Group chief executive John Lamola recently told ch-aviation that two A330-300s previously expected from flynas are no longer being pursued due to the high cost of cabin modifications required in Istanbul. Replacement aircraft have been identified, although details were not disclosed.
Lamola also confirmed at the AFRAA event that SAA plans to issue a request for proposals for its long-term fleet requirements before the end of 2025. Under its long-term strategy, the airline intends to acquire 28 new-generation aircraft for delivery from 2032, including up to 16 widebody jets for long-haul routes and 12 narrowbody aircraft to replace aging A320-200s as leases expire.
While awaiting additional aircraft, SAA is expanding its commercial footprint through partnerships. In December, the airline signed a new codeshare agreement with TAAG Angola Airlines, adding its code to TAAG-operated services between South Africa and Luanda, with onward connections to Lisbon and São Paulo. This was followed by a codeshare deal with Turkish Airlines, covering routes from Istanbul to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris, and London.
These agreements build on earlier partnerships signed in 2025 with Lufthansa, Emirates, and CemAir. SAA currently operates a fleet of 18 aircraft, comprising fourteen leased A320-200s, two leased A330-300s, and two owned A340-300s. The airline also wet-leases one A330-300 from Hi Fly Malta for regional and intercontinental services and two Boeing 737-800s from SunExpress to support peak domestic demand.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com