South African Airways Cargo has implemented a contingency plan to keep some cargo moving on selected routes during the pilot strike that hit the national carrier on Thursday.
Pilots affiliated to the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) downed tools following a wage dispute with the national carrier.
This comes after wage negotiations hit a deadlock, with pilots demanding a 30% pay hike and SAA putting an 8,46% pay increase offer on the table, as reported by Travel News.
SAA Cargo announced its contingency plan for operations and the processing of new cargo bookings in a notice to stakeholders on Thursday.
“Due to the ongoing wage negotiations impasse between South African Airways (SAA) and the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA), the pilots will commence strike action today,” SAA Cargo said.
“As a result, SAA management has implemented contingency measures to ensure business continuity and accommodate cargo transportation through a limited flight schedule and, where possible, on partner carriers,” the cargo operator said.
SAA Cargo said, with effect from 5 December, it would accept new bookings only for certain routes operating with narrow-body aircraft, until further notice. They are:
- 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)
“Unfortunately, there will be no cargo services for the rest of the SAA route network. We will keep you informed of any schedule changes and new developments as they arise,” SAA Cargo said.
“We will endeavour to clear all cargo on hand. Where the schedule is impacted, we will utilise our partner airlines to ensure the cargo is re-protected.”
In response to the situation, the following travel advisory was also issued for trade partners and customers, according to Travel News.
“Customers booked to fly on our services on the affected day will be re-accommodated to the next available flights operated by SAA. We urge our trade partners to manage their booking queues and communicate these changes to our valued customers accordingly,” SAA said in a press release.
If passengers do not want to be re-accommodated to the next available flight, the agent may select another suitable date in the same cabin class on SAA's services.
Agents are urged to communicate accordingly with affected passengers, as their contact details might not be reflected in the booking but rather in the agent's details, SAA advised.
Impacted flights
The strike will affect 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)
Airports are expected to be busier than usual as passengers seek alternatives, and travellers are advised to allow plenty of time and remain flexible with their plans, Flight Centre said in a press release.
