Connecting China to Africa and the world with reliable air freight.
South African Airways (SAA) Cargo is the cargo division of South Africa's flag carrier. Headquartered at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the airline was founded in 1934 and has since grown into a key player in African and intercontinental air freight.
SAA Cargo leverages the airline's extensive passenger network, which serves 17 destinations across Africa and two intercontinental routes to Perth, Australia and São Paulo, Brazil. The carrier joined Star Alliance in 2006, becoming the first African airline to join one of the three major global alliances.
After a period of business rescue and temporary suspension, SAA successfully restarted operations in September 2021 and has since regained profitability. Today, the airline operates a modern fleet with a strong focus on cargo capacity, particularly on long-haul routes.
www.flysaa.com SAACargoReservations@flysaa.com
SAA Cargo maintains a presence across key Chinese cities, with dedicated cargo sales offices and General Sales Agent (GSA) representatives.
For additional locations or after-hours support, please contact your local GSA or reach out to Goodhope Freight.
South African Airways Cargo does not currently operate dedicated freighter aircraft. Instead, cargo is carried in the belly-hold of the airline's passenger fleet, which provides reliable capacity on both regional and long-haul routes.
| Aircraft Type | Cargo Capacity | Primary Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A330-300 | Up to 15 tonnes | Long-haul: São Paulo (GRU), Perth (PER) | Wide-body, ideal for high-volume cargo |
| Airbus A320 | ~5–7 tonnes | Domestic & regional African routes | Narrow-body, serves short-to-medium haul |
| Airbus A340-300 | ~10–12 tonnes | Johannesburg–Guangzhou (historical) | Previously used on China routes |
SAA Cargo also operates five air cargo terminals in South Africa, located at OR Tambo International, Cape Town, King Shaka, Port Elizabeth, and East London.
SAA Cargo provides cargo connectivity from China primarily through its Johannesburg–Guangzhou route, which was launched in September 2019.
Additional Chinese cities including Fuzhou, Xiamen, Nanning, Kunming, Haikou, Qingdao, Nanchang, Wuhan, and Chengdu are accessible via onward connections from Guangzhou.
Schedules are subject to change. Contact Goodhope Freight for the latest flight availability.
Via its Johannesburg hub and Guangzhou gateway, SAA Cargo connects Chinese exporters to a network spanning Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas, and the UK.
For Chinese shippers, South African Airways Cargo offers unique advantages, particularly for those targeting the African market and beyond.
For Chinese exporters of electronics, machinery, automotive parts, and high-value consumer goods, SAA Cargo offers a direct, efficient route into Africa's most developed economy and beyond.
As a trusted freight partner in China, Goodhope Freight provides direct access to South African Airways Cargo capacity from Guangzhou and other Chinese gateways. Our team handles the entire booking process—from rate negotiation to documentation and tracking.
Contact Goodhope Freight
sales8015@goodhopefreight.com
+86 13392162503
www.goodhopefreight.com
For urgent bookings or special cargo requirements, please contact our air freight desk directly.
South African Airways Cargo offers a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of shippers, with a particular focus on reliability and African market expertise.
An express service offered on international routes between Johannesburg, London, Frankfurt, and Perth, providing fastest daytime carriage of urgent freight.
SAA Cargo offers charter solutions for special cargo requirements, utilising passenger aircraft for pure cargo uplift when demand is high.
SAA operates five dedicated air cargo terminals across South Africa, ensuring efficient handling at OR Tambo International, Cape Town, King Shaka, Port Elizabeth, and East London.
As a Star Alliance member, SAA provides access to a global interline network, enabling seamless cargo transfers to destinations beyond its own route map.
SAA Cargo has demonstrated operational flexibility, including operating passenger aircraft for pure cargo uplift during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its commitment to meeting customer needs under challenging circumstances.
Disclaimer: Flight schedules, equipment, and capacity are subject to change without prior notice. Please verify all details with your booking agent at the time of reservation. The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only and may not reflect the most current operational status.