South African Airways (SAA) has canceled flights to Perth and Sao Paulo on Thursday after the SAA Pilots Association confirmed plans to strike, following a breakdown in salary negotiations.
Khaya Buthelezi, the airline’s senior manager of corporate relations, told media that the cancellations were made after the strike was confirmed for Thursday. “We took the decision last night because we were unable to find partner airlines to transfer customers. It became clear that these two routes must be canceled,” he explained.
Domestic and African flights remain unaffected as the airline had prepared contingency plans, Buthelezi added. Pilots were seen picketing outside SAA’s office at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
The SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) has not yet commented on the strike. The union originally demanded a 30% pay increase in May, which was later reduced to 15.7%, including benefits. SAA stated that agreeing to the 15.7% increase would lead to the company’s financial collapse. In response, the airline has offered an 8.46% pay raise, retroactive to April.
The national carrier, which narrowly avoided liquidation and entered bankruptcy protection in 2019, continues to navigate severe financial challenges.
