Halt all ‘acting’ management – union

Saapa claims SAA management and the board have failed repeatedly to take any of a multitude of promised actions. It sent a letter of demand in August that included the following demands:

The appointment of a CEO within the next 90 days whose previous work experience includes the post of CEO and who has specialised skills and experience in the turnaround of an airline similar in size to SAA.

The appointment of a retired or active pilot to the SAA board (this is to ensure that someone with the required skills, knowledge and experience pertaining to large, jet-powered aircraft operations can provide the necessary guidance and input).

The restructuring of flight operations (based on the structure of several world-class leading airlines and best practice) that was presented and submitted to the board on behalf of both management pilots and Saapa, which includes a director of flight operations (DFO) at executive level reporting directly to the CEO. The DFO must be selected from the ranks of SAA pilots. Saapa will be involved in the selection of the DFO and have the right of veto.

A skills audit (to be undertaken by an independent party) within the next 60 days of all general managers and heads of department, including those in acting positions. The skills audit shall be based on international best practices using Ethiopian Airlines and Lufthansa as a benchmark. The outcome of the skills audit must be acted on and implemented.

Compliance with and adherence to the collective agreements, the regulating agreement and the recognition agreement.

“The bottom line is that SAA will not recover unless critical operational and technical deficiencies are immediately addressed by a strong leadership team. It is imperative that every member of this team has the necessary skills and experience to turn around the business and to ensure its sustainability going forward. We trust that the company will consider our demands with the seriousness required. If not, we will be left with no choice. Our pilots have indicated that – if necessary – they are willing to embark on lawful industrial action to save the airline,” the union warned yesterday.

“Saapa’s intention is not to add to SAA’s problems. On the contrary, our goal is to put an end to the continual pressure on the fiscus in the form of bailouts and guarantees and, ultimately, to help put the airline on the road to recovery.” – Adriaan Roets