…advocates for lower airport charges
By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
South African Airways (SAA), one of Africa’s oldest and most iconic airlines, is looking to deepen its presence in West Africa, with Ghana as the centre of operations linking the sub-region and connecting to Southern America.
However, the airline industry giant has lamented about the bureaucratic barriers hindering the aviation industry’s growth on the continent, calling on governments to reduce airport charges and strengthen industry collaboration to lower air travel costs in an attempt to boost intercontinental travel.
The SAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. John Lamola, speaking at dinner with the ‘travel trade’ people, outlined the airline’s post-restructuring recovery strategy and its vision for enhancing connectivity across the continent.
He stressed that ridiculous airport user-fee charges and Africa’s reliance on imported aviation fuel significantly impact the cost of air travel.
The continent’s low refining capacity means aviation fuel is often imported, making it up to 30 percent more expensive than in other regions. This, combined with protectionist policies, high taxes, air navigation policies, or limited direct flight routes, drives up operational costs for airlines.
“Airlines and governments must work together to address the high cost of air travel in Africa. Lowering airport fees and improving operational efficiencies will make flying more accessible, boosting tourism and intra-African trade,” he said
With SAA’s Accra route success in serving as a critical link between Southern, West, and international markets. The airline aims to solidify its presence in Ghana by increasing the Accra-Johannesburg flight frequencies from three times a week to daily while exploring the Accra-Cape Town route as well to enhance customer experience.
Importance of Collaboration and removal of barriers
Citing the International Air Transport Association (IATA), statistics which indicate that intra-Africa travel only accounts for about two percent of the global air travel market, he stressed the need to stimulate air travel on the continent for a viable aviation industry that will foster economic growth.
The Group CEO highlighted that collaboration is an important feature of the aviation industry as it boosts tourism -promoting travel to Ghana’s cultural sites and South Africa’s attractions and facilitating trade by enhancing cargo and business connectivity among other diaspora linkages.
Prof. Lamola emphasised the visa waiver initiative between Ghana and South Africa as a significant decision-driving market demand, hence the need to deepen that collaboration in other aspects to enhance tourism, cultural integration, and business partnerships.
“The removal of visa restrictions between Ghana and South Africa is a beacon of hope and a testament to how African countries can work together at the governmental level to remove travel barriers are stimulate the airline market, motivate people to explore the continent, and promote commerce,” he said.
The statistics indicate that the number of Ghanaian tourists visiting South Africa has surged by 149 percent since the introduction of a visa waiver in November 2023. He described this as a practical case study of how removing travel restrictions can promote tourism, trade, and culture between countries.
“This initiative stimulated our people to travel, which also stimulated the airline market, commerce and tourism sectors benefited significantly. So, it is a way to let our people know their continent very well,” he said.
SSA’s 90-year Legacy
With a 90-year history, SAA has weathered financial turbulence, including a recent business rescue process that saw the airline emerge leaner and more strategically focused.
Since resuming operations, SAA has carefully selected profitable routes, reinstated key domestic and regional flights, and relaunched intercontinental services. The airline has also regained passenger trust through consistent on-time performance, safety, and improved service quality.
“South African Airways is an airline with a rich, 90-year legacy. We are one of the oldest and most recognizable airline brands on the continent. Our journey, particularly in recent years, has been one of significant transformation. We emerged from a challenging business rescue process leaner, more agile, and intensely focused on efficiency, stability, and sustainable growth,” he said.
Next chapter
With its renewed focus and strategic vision, the SAA is seeking to position itself as a key driver of Africa’s aviation revival.
With Ghana considered as the main hub for the West African sub-region, this could mean better connectivity, more tourism opportunities, and stronger economic ties with the rest of the continent.
“Looking ahead, the future for SAA in Ghana involves strengthening this partnership. We aim to deepen our collaboration with Ghanaian tourism authorities, our travel trade partners, and the business community to create synergistic growth. Our future and Ghana’s aviation future are intertwined through this vital Accra route,” he emphasised.
