Partner Content
South African Airways (SAA) has proudly rejoined the Standard Bank Top Women partnership, reaffirming its dedication to advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership across the aviation sector.
This strategic collaboration reflects SAA’s broader transformation agenda and aligns with South Africa’s national development priorities. By partnering with Standard Bank Top Women, SAA underscores that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values; it is a part of the airline’s brand identity and operational ethos.
This is underscored by SAA’s workforce data. Women comprise 47.3% of employees in the SAA Group. This picture is even more promising in SAA’s airline operations, where women make up 54% of the team. SAA subsidiary, AirChefs, has the highest proportion of women team members, at 59%, while 26% of staffers at SAA Technical are women. SAA boasts the largest percentage of female pilots in South Africa, at 22% and aims to grow this to 25% by the end of the financial year.
Our partnership with Standard Bank Top Women offers a powerful platform for SAA to showcase its female leaders, contribute meaningfully to public discourse on transformation, and strengthen trust with stakeholders. As South Africa’s national carrier, SAA is committed to building a workforce that mirrors the country’s rich diversity, extending across its subsidiaries, which include SAA Technical and Air Chefs, and operational roles, from pilots to technical staff.
SAA’s hiring practices are guided by national legislation and sectoral targets, ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and merit-based recruitment, while maintaining the highest standards of excellence and safety. The airline places strong emphasis on the development and well-being of its people. Beyond the partnership, SAA continues to drive impactful initiatives that support women in aviation:
- Targeted Recruitment and Mentorship: SAA’s long-term workforce strategy includes programmes designed to prepare women for technical and operational roles. As of June 2025, women represent 20.92% of SAA’s pilot workforce, with ongoing efforts to grow this number through focused training and mentorship
- The SiVulindlela Project: Spearheaded by SAA Technical, this initiative inspires youth to pursue careers in aviation. A repurposed shipping container simulates a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering a full in-flight experience. Delivered by experienced pilots, cabin crew, technicians, and chefs, the programme brings aviation to life for young learners
- Women in Leadership: SAA’s leadership structure reflects its commitment to gender diversity, with strong female representation in key roles. The airline actively supports regional initiatives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls
Through this renewed partnership and its ongoing initiatives, SAA continues to champion transformation, celebrate excellence, and pave the way for a more inclusive aviation industry.
