Finance · South Africa
South African Airways Returns to Profit After Years of Losses
Moneyweb · 2026/02/11
Summary
South African Airways (SAA) has reported a return to profitability after years of losses that were mainly covered by government support. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, SAA relied heavily on taxpayer money to stay afloat. Now, under the leadership of CEO Professor John Lamola, the airline has undergone significant changes, making it a much leaner and more financially stable company. This turnaround means SAA is less dependent on government bailouts and can operate more like a regular business. The new SAA is smaller but more efficient and focused on sustainable growth in a tough aviation market.
OnABudget takeaway: This return to profit means less strain on taxpayers and offers hope for more reliable air travel options. For investors and small business owners, it signals growing stability in South Africa’s aviation sector.