South African Airways explores AI in aviation

South African Airways (SAA) recently hosted a thought-provoking discussion on the potential of Artificial Intelligence in revolutionising customer service and the future of work.

Themed ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and The Future of Work,’ the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce’s July 2025 Breakfast Forum held at Eko Hotel and Suites and hosted by SAA brought together industry experts and thought leaders to explore the vast potential of AI in transforming the workspace.

Ohis Ehimiaghe, SAA’s Regional Manager for Africa, Middle East, and Indian Ocean, highlighted the benefits of AI to the industry and divulged the airline’s commitment to leveraging AI to revolutionise customer service.

“AI-driven virtual assistants and chatbots are transforming customer service in aviation, enabling passengers to manage bookings, boarding passes, and inquiries with ease.

“Personalised services powered by AI also offer tailored travel options, upgrades, and in-flight entertainment based on individual preferences. By harnessing the power of AI, we can offer personalised travel experiences that cater to individual preferences, making air travel more enjoyable and efficient,” he said.

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The forum also emphasised the importance of acquiring AI-related skills for professionals in the aviation industry. According to Eunice King, Vice President of Digital Transformation & Innovation at Arravo, candidates with AI experience have a significant edge in the job market. “As AI continues to automate tasks, it’s crucial for workers to develop new skills that complement AI’s capabilities,” she noted.

In addition to exploring AI’s potential, Ehimiaghe provided an update on SAA’s route growth ambitions. The airline is set to launch new services to Maputo and Gaborone, and plans to introduce three new international routes in 2026. To support its growth ambitions, SAA aims to expand its fleet to 50 aircraft over the next five years.

Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, SAA’s Country Manager, emphasised the role of the airline in empowering their partners by organising such meetings to keep them abreast of trends and conversations that may impact business.

“We are committed to supporting and carrying our partners along as the industry continues to evolve and as we also revolutionise our processes and adapt to changes in order to equip them with the foresight, critical information and necessary skills to sustain their businesses and empower them,” she declared.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.