By 
The interim CEO of South African Airways (SAA) Mr John Lamola says there are limited SAA flights scheduled and that not all pilots are on strike following a deadlock in wage negotiations between SAA and SAA Pilot Association (SAAPO).
SAAPO and the National Transport Movement affiliated pilots officially went on strike on Thursday, 5 December 2024, as the airline and the associations could not find each other on wage increment negotiations.
In May 2024, SAAPO initially demanded a 30% increase in pilot salaries, then later cascaded down to 15.7% plus associated benefits, but SAA countered the demand and offered an 8.46% salary increase. This led to a deadlock as the airline argues that the increase they are offering is significantly higher than the general salary increases in South Africa in 2024, is benchmarked against international pilot salary adjustments, and is in line with what was granted to the rest of SAA staff members in June 2024.
The pilots downed flights on Thursday in protest of the offer leaving some of the travellers desperate and causing much worry for travel during the festive season.
Lamola has since affirmed that SAA is still operational as not all pilots are on strike, only SAAPO and National Transport Movement associated pilots are on strike.
“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,” said the interim CEO John Lamola.
“Despite some alterations and restrictions to the SAA schedule and services during this period, SAA remains operational and continues to serve its passengers,” he continued.
Details of the limited flight schedule and re-accommodation plans have been communicated to travel agents and passengers who booked directly with SAA through the Call Centre, General Sales Agency, City and Airport Ticketing Offices, flysaa.com, and SAA mobile applications.
For more on this, customers are being advised to visit the SAA website for a detailed FAQ on the flight schedule that will be updated regularly.
Important Contact Details:
- Travel Agents requiring assistance should call Trade Support or email tradesupport@flysaa.com
- For ticket reissues, requests should be emailed to SAAschedulechange@flysaa.com .
- Customers with queries related to Voyager services should contact the Voyager Service Desk at the Call Centre or email VoyagerServices@flysaa.com
