SAA May Cut 900 Jobs to Stabilise Operation

SAA May Cut 900 Jobs to Stabilise Operation

South Africa Airways (SAA) said it may cut over 900 jobs as it moves to stem recurring financial losses. Reuters reported that the state-owned carrier said it had started consultations with its more than 5,000 staff and was talking to labour unions. South Africa Airways has not made profit since 2011 and is grappling with severe funding difficulties and an inefficient and ageing fleet of airplanes.

South African officials have been searching for an investor to take a stake in the airline, but their efforts have so far been unsuccessful.

“We urgently need to address the ongoing loss-making position that has subsisted over the past years. That is why we are undergoing a restructuring,” said SAA acting-Chief Executive Zuks Ramasia.

“No final decision will be taken until the consultation process is concluded. However, it is estimated that approximately 944 employees may be affected.”

Reuters noted that in a dramatic fall from grace over the past decade, SAA has lost its place as Africa’s biggest airline and a symbol of patriotic pride to become a source of frustration for taxpayers.
Analysts have long said its workforce should be cut to bring it in line with regional competitors.

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