SAA steps in to operate some FlySafair flights amid pilot strike

Stephen Grootes is joined by aviation analyst Phutego Mojapele on The Money Show.

Passengers have been left stranded at some of our major airports after the bulk of FlySafair pilots went ahead with a threatened strike on Monday (21 July).

Now South African Airways (SAA) has stepped in to help the beleaguered airline operate some of its flights, starting with the Durban-Cape Town route.

Two flights between the two cities on Tuesday evening would take place aboard SAA planes, according to a FlySafair travel advisory.

Trade union Solidarity has said more flight disruptions could be on the cards until an outcome is reached in negotiations.

Striking pilots' demands 'not economically viable' - FlySafair

The pilots taking part in the two-week strike want a 10.5% pay increase in the next financial year, followed by 4.5% and 4% in the next two years.

Solidarity is also fighting for an improvement in working conditions, including the system used to roster pilots.

The partnering arrangement between FlySafair and SAA is an example of what competing airlines do in desperate circumstances, remarks aviation analyst Phutego Mojapele.

"Comair has also done that before where they gave SAA passengers when they were grounded for technical issues. And SAA did the same thing with other airlines last year when they had a strike."

Phutego Mojapele, Aviation Analyst

This is an opportunity for SAA to demonstrate that it's maintaining the standard it's always been known for to the FlySafair passengers it's taking over, Mojapele says.

The arrangement also gives FlySafair breathing room as it negotiates what is currently on the table, he adds.

"SAA are deploying the Airbus 320s between Durban and Cape Town, and it would make sense also on the Joburg-Cape Town route to deploy bigger-capacity planes so that they can reduce the burden FlySafair has at the moment because there's an increase in the number of pilots joining the strike."

Phutego Mojapele, Aviation Analyst

"Also, SAA have applied for the Durban-Cape Town to be reintroduced - I know for a fact this is one of the plans that they have communicated before."

Phutego Mojapele, Aviation Analyst

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