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Dynamic governance practices are key in the administration of 21st-century airlines. Knowledge transfer via the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is germane in governance practices. Studies have proven that the 4IR technologies could enhance airline governance and improve safety measures and productivity. The 4IR role in improving airline governance is yet to receive in-depth studies in South Africa. Thus, this study aims to investigate the governance challenges facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR.

This research used a qualitative research method. The main data were collected via 56 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The research achieved saturation. A thematic technique was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings reveal 12 challenges and are grouped into six governance barriers facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR. Also, findings suggest measures to mitigate governance barriers and promote 4IR technologies usage in the airline sector.

The study assesses critical governance challenges facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR. Understanding the importance of vital governance challenges can assist critical stakeholders in promoting innovative policies and regulations tailored towards digitalised aerospace. Thus, the study contributes strategies to improve digital innovation and reduce airline risks in South Africa. Also, it contributes to the paucity of academic literature on developing countries’ airline governance in the 4IR era and the South African aviation sector.

Aerospace is a demanding technological and industrial sector. Several regulations and policies via innovative digital transformation have been integrated to impact production systems and supply chains, including safety measures. Studies demonstrated that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies could enhance productivity growth and safety measures. The 4IR role in influencing airlines’ growth is yet to receive in-depth studies in South Africa. Thus, this study aims to investigate the role of 4IR technologies in influencing airlines’ growth in South Africa.

This research used a qualitative research method. Primary data were compiled via 56 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with major stakeholders. The study achieved saturation. A thematic method was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings reveal the nine major factors influencing South African airlines’ growth in the 4IR era. This includes investment in ergonomics applications and research, governance is driven by 4IR, collaboration and incorporation of 4IR concepts, partnership with drone technology and high precision and efficiency with 4IR. Others are reskilling and upskilling, investment in 4IR software, policies to promote 4IR usage in the industry and policies to reduce human interface.

Understanding the relative significance of 4IR technologies’ role in airlines’ growth can assist critical stakeholders in promoting innovative policies and regulations tailored towards digitalised aerospace. Thus, the study contributes to strategies to improve digital innovation, airline growth and safety as components of the air travel demands in South Africa.