FlySafair confirms that operations continue largely as
scheduled today, but unfortunately a quantity (8%) of flights have had to be cancelled
today. These flights were assigned to pilots who had confirmed their availability to fly,
but who late last night, reported that they would not fly. All other flights are operating as
planned, and affected customers have been contacted directly using details provided at
the time of booking. Should there be further disruptions, customers will be notified
promptly.
We thank our teams both on the aircraft and on the ground for their tireless
commitment and hard work to ensure that disruptions are minimised as far as possible.
While FlySafair has opted not to publicly share the full details of current offers out of
discretion toward our pilot team, we believe it is important—particularly given recent
public commentary—to outline some key facts that clarify the company’s position and
the business realities we face.
Competitive Pay and Working Conditions
FlySafair pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in the country. Our
Captains earn, between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually—placing them well within the
top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many pilots earn more than members of FlySafair’s
Executive Committee. These salaries are regularly benchmarked against those at other
local airlines and are higher than most.
In terms of workload, FlySafair Captains spent an average of 63 hours last month in
the cockpit flying passengers. This is well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation
Authority, IATA, and ICAO, which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month. Additional
responsibilities such as training and office time are factored in, as is standby duty—
where pilots must be ready to fly at short notice—which is served from home under
minimal restrictions.
The Nature of the Dispute
At the core of the current industrial action is a dispute over pay and scheduling.
Solidarity, has demanded a 10.5% increase on base salaries, as well as additional flight
pay and bonuses. While this demand is already perceived as steep it’s important to note
that when factoring in the additional demands, the total impact actually amounts to
more than a 20% increase in overall cost to company—an unsustainable escalation
for any company.
By contrast, the company’s current offer is a 5.7% increase on base pay which is 1.5%
above inflation. This already substantial offer was made including other benefits
(including a bonus) which increased that number significantly on a cost to company
basis. This offer was made in good faith and with a view to balancing fair compensation
for employees with the airline’s financial sustainability and customer affordability. This
offer was designed to balance the other 1700 employees of the airline and the
sustainability and resilience of the company with the demands of the pilots.
On the Rostering System
A second area of contention is the pilot roster system implemented by FlySafair at the
start of the year. This system—standard across the global airline industry and in force in
every other airline in South Africa—allows pilots to receive their full monthly rosters by
the 20th of the preceding month, enabling personal planning and scheduling. It also
includes a preferential leave bidding process and a structured marketplace to facilitate
duty swaps within regulated flight and duty limits.
The system was designed to improve operational efficiency and provide pilots with
maximum flexibility. Attempts by Solidarity to alter or limit this system would strip away
its key benefits, undermining FlySafair’s ability to compete with other airlines and
maintain cost-effective operations.
A Reasoned Position
FlySafair has worked to resolve these issues constructively and transparently.
Consultations regarding the roster started in March 2024 to address the crew’s
concerns. However, the demands being made are, in their current form, economically
unfeasible and would erode the airline’s competitive advantage in the market. We have
therefore had to take firm, but reasoned steps to protect the long-term viability of the
business and the affordability of our fares for South African travellers.
We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our loyal customers and the
broader flying public. Our goal remains to reach a reasonable resolution quickly, restore
trust, and continue building the airline so many South Africans rely on.
FlySafair remains fully committed to engaging with our pilots in good faith and finding a
way forward that balances fairness for our people with our responsibility to our
customers and the sustainability of the business
