LocalTrends

The ongoing strike by South African Airways (SAA) pilots has caused significant disruptions to both domestic and international flights. The strike, initiated by the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA), stems from unresolved wage disputes. Initially, SAAPA demanded a 30% salary increase, which was later reduced to 15.7%, including associated benefits. However, SAA's final offer of an 8.46% raise, retroactive to April 2024, was deemed insufficient by the pilots.

As a result, several key routes, including flights between Johannesburg and major destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, and international locations like Perth and Sao Paulo, have been affected. The strike has led to a travel advisory from SAA, urging passengers to rebook their flights and manage their travel plans accordingly. The airline has assured that flights operated by partner airlines, including codeshare and Star Alliance partners, will continue as scheduled.

The strike has highlighted the ongoing financial challenges faced by SAA, which has only recently emerged from business rescue. Interim CEO John Lamola emphasized that meeting the pilots' demands could push the airline back into financial instability. Despite reporting a modest profit for the 2022/23 financial year, SAA remains cautious about its financial future and is committed to negotiating a fair settlement with the pilots.

Passengers are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and make necessary arrangements to minimize inconvenience. The situation underscores the delicate balance between employee demands and the financial sustainability of the airline, as SAA navigates through this challenging period.