SAA and Air China in partnership talks

There have been unconfirmed reports that South African Airways is in talks with Air China over a possible partnership to set up new hubs in Africa, with Air China potentially investing in the troubled African airlines. SAA is also rumoured to have met with Hainan Airlines as it seeks an equity partner to aid its restructuring. Chinese carriers have been expanding into Africa to serve the burgeoning Chinese population there as well as the increased travel requirements due to China’s other business interests in the continent. Establishing a West Africa hub would help China compete against established African players namely