FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP PROPRIETARY LIMITED IMPLEMENTS STOP SELL IN RESPECT OF SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

Dear Leisure Customers

RE. FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP PROPRIETARY LIMITED IMPLEMENTS STOP SELL IN RESPECT OF SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS  

Over the last month there have been several publications in the media regarding ongoing concerns in respect of the financial stability of South African Airways (“SAA”). On 27 November 2019, we were informed that our preferred Travel Insurance Provider, namely Travel Insurance Consultants (“TIC”) and their underwriters, are no longer willing to cover SAA under their Travel Supplier Insolvency benefit, due to doubts concerning the long-term viability of the airline.  We have been advised further that a number of other global insurers have taken a similar approach.

In light of the above developments and the continuing concerns regarding SAA, Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa has made a decision to no longer sell SAA, until such time as we have obtained certainty in the market.

As a valued leisure customer, we acknowledge the importance of providing you with options. In the event that you wish to continue utilising SAA, we will still allow you the option to book with them, however, we would strongly advise that alternative options are utilised until certainty regarding the airline’s long-term sustainability is obtained.   

Yours faithfully,
Andrew Stark
Managing Director MEA
Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd