International agencies ‘aggressively’ recruit SA’s air traffic controllers, sparking shortage

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) are struggling to fill key positions, especially air traffic controllers.

The situation has become so severe that it is reportedly almost compromising service delivery. ATNS has launched a recruitment drive to try and bridge the gap within the next three years.

ATNS spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini says the shortage of air traffic controllers is a global issue, but South Africa struggles to compete with packages offered by international organisations.

“They are very aggressive in recruiting South African based air traffic controllers because of the training we have,” he explains.

However, they have launched a retention strategy to try and entice their workers to stay.

To listen to ATNS spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini in conversation with Mandy Wiener on the Midday Report on 702 and CapeTalk, click the audio player below: