Boardroom Talk: The real SAA deal story – a calculated entrepreneurial risk, definitely no slam dunk

Despite there being no other credible bidder for SAA, self-appointed experts keep carping on about Takatso having been ‘gifted’ the airline.
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Over the past two days I've been directly exposed to the enormity of the challenge facing SAA in its quest for rebirth. The country's cadre-abused, severely downscaled national carrier's mission is to re-establish itself as the leading airline in Africa. Right now, that looks like an impossible dream. Let me explain. 

A few weeks ago BizNews's accountant, who has an eye for a bargain, recommended Qatar Airways. Book early, he told me, and you fly Business Class from Joburg to London for the same as a Premium Economy ticket at usual suspects BA and Virgin. Going via Doha means it takes longer, he added, but the upgraded experience justifies that extra time.

As usual, our Hanno was on the money. The latest was easily the best of literally dozens of flights to the UK, enough of them in the 'turn left' cabin to afford a comparison. In-flight wi-fi ($10 for each leg) a closed off cabin, plentiful tea and day-time flights turned my seat into a comfortable replica of my office.

___STEADY_PAYWALL___

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