SAA commemorates 90th anniversary

SOUTH African Airways ( SAA) is celebrating 90 years of resilience and excellence having been established on February 1, 1934, making it one of the oldest and surviving airlines in Africa.

As the celebrations are being marked globally at the airline’s various destinations on its network, the Lagos office in Nigeria kicked off the day's celebrations with a Movie Reception and get- together for its leading travel agents.

The Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) of the airline, Prof. John Lamola, said it was no secret that as part of South Africa's history, SAA has had more than its fair share of challenges, and of course, some tantalising triumphs to be proud of.

“Today, and throughout February, we will celebrate and reflect on this heritage as we commit to take the story of SAA as the leading world- class African airline forward,” Lamola said. Country Manager of the Airline in Nigeria, Kemi Leke- Bamtefa, said the airline recognised the contributions of the travel agents whose outstanding efforts helped SAA to be successful.

“They are at the centre of our celebrations, and we thank them for being the wind underneath our wings,” Leke- Bamtefa said.

Sharing her experience with SAA, Abosede Yusuf of Quantum Travels, said she had been in business for the past 10 years and SAA has been wonderful.

“Each time we have issues they come around and they help us out which makes it easier for us to make their sales. I pray they continue to grow in the business and urge them not to forget to do us better as agents in terms of commission and other benefits.”