South African Airways (SAA) has appointed Professor John Lamola as its Group Chief Executive Officer.
SAA overcomes turbulence and appoints a new CEO
The decision was approved by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, with the airline’s board expressing confidence in his leadership to guide SAA’s continued growth.
Lamola had been serving as interim CEO since May 2022, a period during which he played a key role in stabilising SAA’s operations and returning the airline to profitability.
Under his leadership, SAA recorded a net profit of R252 million in the 2022/23 financial year, its first profit since 2012.
Revenue increased to R5.7 billion, a significant improvement from R2 billion in 2021/22.
SAA Board Interim Chairperson Derek Hanekom praised Lamola’s contribution, stating:
“The SAA Board is delighted to appoint a solid and dedicated leader well-versed in SAA’s fortunes and eager to oversee its take-off into better skies. We wish Professor Lamola and SAA a safe flight into an even brighter future.”
During Lamola’s tenure, the airline expanded its fleet from six to 20 aircraft, including the addition of two Airbus A330s. The route network has also grown from six destinations in 2021 to 16 by January 2025.
Additionally, the workforce has increased from 800 employees to 2,000, including 140 pilots.
SAA’s recovery has been significant after years of financial turmoil, business rescue, and reduced operations. Lamola’s appointment aligns with the government’s vision for a commercially viable and globally competitive national airline.
Here’s everything we know about Prof. John Lamola
Professor John Lamola brings extensive experience in aviation, business, and academia. Before joining SAA, he built and managed a private equity investment portfolio focused on aviation and internet technologies.
His aviation experience includes serving as CEO of Denel Aviation from 1996 to 2001 and as a board member at Airports Company South Africa from 2012 to 2017.
Academically, he holds a PhD in philosophy and religious studies from Edinburgh University and an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, a leading institution in aviation business education.
Lamola’s leadership comes at a crucial time as SAA continues rebuilding after years of financial struggles and state bailouts.
According to a study by Oxford Economics Africa, SAA’s contribution to South Africa’s GDP in 2023/24 was R9.1 billion and is projected to grow to R32.6 billion by 2029/30.
The same report estimates that SAA’s operations could support 86,700 jobs by 2029/30, up from 25,200 in 2023/24. The airline is also expected to generate government revenue of R4.4 billion by 2029/30.
With this appointment, Lamola is now tasked with expanding the airline’s operations, increasing profitability, and maintaining financial discipline. Hanekom reaffirmed the board’s confidence in his leadership, stating:
“Professor Lamola can now continue growing SAA with confidence, knowing that he has the full support of the SAA Board and its shareholders.”
