Pilots threaten to ground SAA

“It needs to be understood that the decision to embark on industrial action is not one that the pilots of South African Airlines (SAA) will take lightly. Indeed, if such a strike is embarked upon, it would be for the first time in SAA’s 80-year history,” said Captain Grant Back, chairperson of SAAPA.

The association said in June that it may resort to industrial action unless a “competent leadership team” was appointed to turn around the national carrier.
Results shared from an internal survey of its members found a majority in favour of a strike.

As part of its list of demands, the association is calling for the appointment of a skilled, permanent CEO, the appointment of an active or retired pilot to the airline's board, and a broad skills audit.

Meanwhile, the SAA board of directors issued a statement saying it was disappointed that the organisation had chosen to take its concerns about the state of the airline into the public domain.

“We are in the middle of the negotiation process and we would prefer to see that the process ran its natural course before any statements are made by the parties.”

The airline said it had taken steps to bring in required capacity to strengthen management. “We all must acknowledge that the appointment processes take time, as due process has to be followed. Notwithstanding, a number of key appointments, including the chief commercial officer, the CEO of SAA Technical, the CEO of Mango, have been announced and more executive hires are in the pipeline."