South African Airways (SAA) Cargo is exploring new route options after acquiring the fi rst of two new 18-ton capacity B737-300 converted freighters to service domestic and regional sectors.

The new equipment is part of a performance strategy aimed at achieving year-on-year growth of 20 per cent as the airline restructures in a bid to return to profi tability on a sustainable basis over the next 12 to 18 months.

The freighter will be deployed on the Cape Town-Johannesburg run, servicing Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, George and Bloemfontein. The aircraft will also service countries within the SADC region.