South African Airways has contracted KPMG LLP to advise on an order for wide-body aircraft that has been delayed for several years as the unprofitable airline seeks a capital injection from the government.
CEO Monwabisi Kalawe stated that SAA plans to take 25 new wide-body aircraft to replace its fleet of ageing A340s and to help cut fuel costs as it seeks to break even by 2017.
Kalawe also said: “[KPMG] will work with us to design the right process that will help us identify the right manufacturer or lessor. They will review and validate the work that has been done by management.”
Kalawe added that “KPMG will review the airline’s planned network and fleet decisions, its request for proposals issued for the aircraft, and the governance of the whole process, with the exact remit to be determined at a meeting this week.”
SAA hires KPMG to advise on fleet renewal plans
