Low-cost carrier FlySafair has confirmed that its operations remain fully functional despite an ongoing strike by members of the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA).
The airline said on Monday that it has contingency plans in place to ensure no disruptions to flight schedules, even as wage negotiations continue without resolution.
The airline, which carries more than half of South Africa’s domestic air traffic, said over two-thirds of its crew reported for duty on Monday morning.
“All flights are operating as scheduled. Crew signed on earlier than usual, and everything is departing as it should,” said FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon in an interview with SABC News.
Gordon explained that the airline had pre-planned a reduced November schedule to accommodate aircraft maintenance, a strategy that has helped absorb the operational impact of the strike.
“We have the advantage of a reduced flight schedule this month, which we planned to prepare for the festive season. This allows us to rotate crew and maintain service stability,” he said .
The wage dispute follows a breakdown in negotiations last week after SACCA rejected the airline’s final offer.
FlySafair had proposed a four-year agreement that included a 5.7% increase in base pay for the first year, a 7.5% annual performance bonus, seniority-based progression, and several monthly allowances.
The airline said that in real terms, employees could see an overall increase of 16% to 19% — significantly higher than the industry average of 3% to 5%.
“It’s a generous offer, and we believe it’s reasonable given the current economic environment,” Gordon said, adding that management was still hopeful of reaching an agreement with the union.
SACCA, representing the airline’s cabin crew, has accused FlySafair of failing to address working conditions, including long hours and roster changes. The union maintains that it wants “a fair deal that balances pay increases with job quality,” though it has not specified what percentage increase it is demanding.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is expected to mediate between the two parties later this week in an effort to break the deadlock.
Meanwhile, passengers have been advised to check their flight details before travelling, but FlySafair has insisted that no cancellations or major delays are expected. “It’s business as usual,” Gordon said.
“We’ve hired and trained additional crew in anticipation of the festive rush. The vast majority of our staff are back at work, and we’re confident our customers won’t feel any disruption.”
The airline’s assurance comes at a crucial time, with South Africa’s holiday travel season approaching.
The carrier, known for its reliability and affordability, operates more than 100 flights daily between major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha.
Despite the ongoing labour tensions, Gordon reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety and schedule consistency.
“Our customers come first, and our priority is keeping the skies safe and on time,” he said.
