Request for Information for Compressed Hot Towels

Overview

This Request for Information seeks market insight and supplier capability for a compressed hot towel product to be used onboard South African Airways flights. The RFI invites suppliers to describe design, manufacture, supply and capability to deliver a dry compressed towel tablet that expands into a soft towel when activated with water, with environmental, packaging and waste-reduction credentials, suitable for domestic, regional and international airline operations.

Requirements

• Provide product drawings/images; compressed/expanded dimensions; unit weight; material composition; activation method; recommended water volume and temperature; expansion time; absorbency and strength; microbiological and skin-safety information; shelf life; storage; packaging configuration; branding options; sample availability; production capacity; lead times; delivery options; indicative pricing; quality controls; and relevant environmental, safety and product compliance documentation.
• Use environmentally preferable materials; no skin irritants; clearly declare any fragrance or treatments and obtain SAA approval; packaging to minimize material use and provide disposal guidance with substantiation for environmental claims.
• Demonstrate how the solution reduces storage space, transport weight, water consumption and waste versus conventional pre-moistened towels.

How to Apply

• Questions due by 29 October 2026 via e-mail to OnkarabetseLeburu@flysaa.com and saatenders@flysaa.com; questions may reference attached documents (RFI GSM006-26 Compressed hot towels … pdf).
• Closing date/time: 05 November 2026 at 16:00 (GMT+2) (from RFI documents).
• Submissions: electronic submission to Tenders@flysaa.com (2MB limit) with required documents; include completed Supplier Information (Section 2) and any information requested in the RFI; sample submissions may be sent to SAA Airways Park, 32 Jones Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1627.
• Documents to obtain: prescribed RFI documents; supplier information; standard conditions (Section 3). No award will be made from the RFI, but the subsequent RFP may be restricted to RFI respondents (attachments: GSM006-26 RFI documents).