South African Airways (SA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the replacement of its Cargo fleet which, according to the ch-aviation aircraft database, consists of three B737-300(F)s including one on lease from Safair (FA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo).

SAA Cargo deploys the aircraft on flights between Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, Cape Town International, Durban King Shaka, Port Elizabeth, and East London domestically as well as to Kinshasa N'Djili regionally.

The carrier is looking for proposals for one B737-300(F), one B737-400(F), three containerized ATR42-500(F)s equipped with Large Cargo Doors, and two containerized ATR 72-200(F)/-500(F)/-600Fs equipped with Large Cargo Doors. Lease periods listed include 36, 60 and 84 months.

The tender is part of SAA Cargo's Long Term Aircraft Fleet Replacement programme which itself is part of the SAA's 90-Day Action Plan.

The 90-Day Action plan, unveiled late last year and due to end on March 24, is a precursor to the Long Term Turnaround Strategy (LTTS), a restructuring programme aimed at turning the loss-making carrier into a profitable entity.

The deadline for submissions is March 31.