MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH African Airways (SAA) is celebrating a decade as member of Star Alliance, the world’s longest serving and most experienced global airline alliance.

SAA was the first African airline to join the global network in 2006, providing other Alliance partners access to SAA’s extensive route network within South Africa and into the rest of the African continent.

Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson, said the decade-long membership was a major achievement and the anniversary comes at a time where the Alliance has reached a high level of maturity.

“We remain focused on increasing our participation in the Alliance to ensure that we extract the fullest possible value from our membership for our airline and for our customers,” said Tlali.

Star Alliance CEO, Mark Schwab, congratulated SAA.

“South African Airways gave Star Alliance a first and strategic/prominent foothold in Africa, which today is recognised as one of the most significant growth markets for international trade and aviation,” said Schwab.

Star Alliance was founded with five member airlines in 1997. Today its membership totals 28, including three strong airlines in Africa.