Massive SAA flight cancellations
South African Airways has “cancelled nearly all its domestic, regional, and international flights” for Friday and Saturday, the airline announced.
“The cancellations follow an announcement by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) that their members will embark on industrial action from Friday morning,” said SAA.
“This is notwithstanding SAA’s repeated overtures to the unions to acknowledge the severity of the current situation facing the airline.”
SAA said it is putting its customers first, and regrets the “inevitable inconvenience” these cancellations may cause.
It added that it is trying to help customers find alternatives.
Tlali Tlali, SAA spokesperson, requested customers not to go to their departure airports during the disruption.
“Information on the status of our flights will be regularly updated on our website,” said Tlali.
Mango not affected
All flights operated on partner airlines, including SA Express, Mango, SA Airlink, and all codeshare partners, will not be affected, said SAA.
SAA will also operate flights from selected outstations on Friday back to OR Tambo International Airport.
Regional flights, which will operate on Friday morning, will return from:
- Maputo (SA147)
- Lusaka (SA067)
- Harare (SA025)
- Windhoek (SA073)
- Accra (SA210)
International flights, which will operate on Friday evening, will return from:
- Frankfurt (SA261)
- New York (SA204)
- Munich (SA265)
- Hong Kong (SA287)
- Perth (SA281)
- Washington (SA210)
- London (SA235)
“The airline will assess the situation on an ongoing basis and customers will be kept informed of all operational developments on a daily basis.”
Wage negotiations
Tlali said that SAA did conduct negotiations with the unions, and presented a revised offer for employees of a 5.9% increase – subject to the availability of funds.
NUMSA and SACCA are demanding an 8% increase.
“SAA will spare no effort to work jointly with the labour unions to find solutions that accommodate the employee demands, safeguard the business and return operations to normal.”
Now read: Cell C deal must obey the rules – ICASA
Loading ...