SAA Updates on Pilot Strike – December 2024
SAA Pilots Strike: Operations Updates by the airline
December 7, 2024 – Strike Ends: Normal Flight Ops to Resume
South African Airways (SA) has announced that the pilot strike, which began on December 5, 2024, has been suspended (as of 02:00hrs).
“Management has offered an additional 1% salary increase, resulting in a total salary increase of 9.47% for SAA pilots.”
“As part of the agreement that broke the deadlock in wage negotiations, engagements on a continuous enterprise improvement program will continue over the next eight weeks,” said Professor John Lamola, SAA Interim CEO.
SAA stated it expects to resume full flight (100%) operations by Sunday, December 8, 2024, with over 100 pilots returning to duty by midday on December 7.
“SAA extends it’s heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers for their patience, understanding, and support during this period.“
December 6, 2024
South African Airways (SA) stated it continues to navigate the challenges amid the ongoing pilot strike, initiated on December 5, 2024.
“We understand that disrupted travel plans can be frustrating, and SAA apologises for all the inconvenience caused,” the airline stated. “We deeply appreciate our customers’ patience, understanding, and support.”
On the first day of the strike, the airline reported it operated “39 out of 47 planned flights to Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Mauritius, and Windhoek. This represents 51% of the planned flights, including 66% of domestic, 30% of regional, and 33% of international routes.”
“Intercontinental routes, such as Perth and São Paulo, remain a top priority for SAA management. Plans for resuming flights to Perth are being finalised, with potential operations set for the upcoming weekend,” SAA said.
“We are in constant communication with our customers, assisting with re-accommodation and coordinating with our codeshare and Star Alliance partners to facilitate rebooking and travel arrangements.
Additionally, a significant number of passengers are being accommodated in hotels while alternative travel plans are being arranged.”
December 5, 2024
South African Airways (SA) confirmed that a strike by pilots affiliated with the South African Airways Pilots’ Association (SAAPA) and the National Transport Movement commenced on December 5, 2024, following a deadlock in wage negotiations, as announced by SAA.
SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, stated:
“This situation is regrettable, and we acknowledge the trust our customers place in us for their travel needs.
“We are committed to ensuring that all passengers reach their destinations despite the challenges posed by a limited schedule and necessary re-accommodations on other airlines.“
Lamola stated that not all pilots are striking. “Despite some alterations and restrictions to the SAA schedule and services during this period, SAA remains operational and continues to serve its passengers.”
