SAA appoints first black chief pilot

South African Airways (SAA) last week announced Captain Eric Manentsa as its new chief pilot, effective June 1, following  the retirement in July last year of captain Johnny Woods, who was the chief pilot and head of flight operations.

Capt Manentsa has been flying for SAA for twenty years and has been the fleet captain on the A319/A320 fleet for the past six years. As chief pilot he will be responsible for the airline’s 800 pilots in terms of their day-to-day function, ensuring the company remains compliant with local and international regulations.