South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has activated a contingency plan to ensure the movement of cargo on selected routes during the pilot strike that began on Thursday.
The strike, initiated by pilots affiliated with the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA), follows a deadlock in wage negotiations. Pilots are demanding a 30% pay hike, while SAA has offered an 8.46% increase.
In response to the ongoing strike, SAA Cargo issued a statement outlining measures to maintain business continuity.
The airline will operate a limited flight schedule and utilize partner carriers where possible to accommodate cargo transportation.
Effective December 5, SAA Cargo will only accept new bookings for certain routes served by narrow-body aircraft. These routes include:
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Mauritius (MRU)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Windhoek (WDH)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Cape Town (CPT)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Gqeberha (PLZ)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Durban (DUR)
SAA Cargo noted that cargo services on the rest of the network would be unavailable. The airline assured stakeholders that it would continue to clear existing cargo and, where necessary, use partner airlines to re-protect cargo affected by schedule changes.
In addition to the contingency plan for cargo, SAA issued a travel advisory for affected passengers. Customers with bookings on flights impacted by the strike will be re-accommodated on the next available SAA flights.
Trade partners have been urged to manage booking queues and communicate changes to affected passengers. Those unwilling to be re-accommodated can choose another suitable flight date.
The strike is expected to impact all SAA-operated flights on major domestic and regional routes, including:
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Cape Town (CPT)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Durban (DUR)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Gqeberha (PLZ)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Windhoek (WDH)
- Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Mauritius (MRU)
With increased airport congestion anticipated as passengers seek alternative flights, travelers are advised to allow extra time and remain flexible with their travel plans.
