South African Airways has embarked on an ambitious journey to rejuvenate its operations, and in a strategic move, the airline is planning to recall a number of its former pilots. The decision comes as SAA takes significant steps to expand its services, aiming to regain its status as a key player in the aviation industry following a period of financial challenges and operational restructuring.
The aviation sector has been severely impacted by the global pandemic, and South African Airways was no exception. In the face of financial difficulties, the airline underwent a comprehensive business rescue process that led to a temporary grounding of its fleet and significant personnel adjustments. However, as the industry shows signs of recovery, SAA is positioning itself to seize new opportunities.
The decision to recall former pilots is a strategic one, aimed at harnessing the experience and expertise of individuals who were previously part of SAA’s skilled workforce. These pilots, who were furloughed or chose alternative career paths during the airline’s restructuring, are now being invited back as SAA seeks to expand its operations and reestablish its presence in the global aviation market.
Recalling former pilots not only brings back familiar faces but also ensures a smoother transition during SAA’s expansion. These pilots are already familiar with the airline’s operations, procedures, and safety protocols, which can significantly reduce the time required for training and integration.
According to a Business Day report, SAA confirmed the pilot recall drive on Thursday. The airline did not indicate how many pilots it aims to recall but according to industry insiders it is almost 60.
“During the restructuring of the airline, SAA entered into an agreement with the SAA Pilots Associations (SAAPA) that, should the airline be able to recruit more pilots, it would look at those pilots that were retrenched in 2021 first. To that end, a recall list was established and settled at the time,” the airline said.
“SAA is pleased to report that the airline is now growing its route network and fleet size and requires additional operational resources. Therefore, it is now activating that agreement and speaking to pilots who are on the recall list about returning to the airline to reactivate their careers and resume flying.”
SAA added that part of the agreement reached in 2021 included the need to have an employment equity plan as required by law.
“SAA is working on honouring that, as well as being compliant with the laws of the country,” stated SAA. “The recruitment is ongoing and will end when the requisite numbers have been brought on board.” The pilot recruitment drive is not the first this year. In March, SAA also sent out a request for the purposes of recalling pilots.
SAA went into business rescue in December 2019. In terms of its approved business rescue plan, only 88 pilots were retained for the “new SAA”. Many of the retrenched pilots ended up finding work locally or abroad.
Before it went into business rescue, SAA had about 620 pilots on its books. Of these, almost 100 were on unpaid leave and about 20 were not flying due to medical or other reasons. About 220 took voluntary severance packages during the business rescue process. Of the about 400 pilots then remaining, about 75% were active pilots.
Projections made in SAA’s business rescue plan, foresaw the airline by now already operating almost 30 aircraft and employing more than 300 pilots. SAA now has a fleet of about six aircraft and employs about 80 pilots.