South African FA takes off with new airline partner

South African Airways has agreed a partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA), the sport’s national governing body.

The agreement will run for five years, from 2016 until 2020.

South African Airways will serve as the official airline of the South Africa men’s national team and will carry the squad to matches. The City Press website reported that this arrangement could save the SAFA up to R25m (€1.4m/$1.6m) in travel costs.

The airline will benefit from branding placement on the team’s training kit and casual wear, and will also have in-venue advertising opportunities during matches featuring any of South Africa’s national teams.