Extending global reach and adding training options
SOUTH AFRICAN Airways Cargo will benefit substantially from its new strategic equity partner, Swissair, says SAA c.e.o. Coleman Andrews.
Apart from increased service alliances, where additional cargo loads can be carried, there will be regular members of SAA Cargo staff who will be among those undergoing training in a new global atmosphere, he said.
Apart from the internationally recognised Swissair apprenticeship scheme, under which 18-year-olds will be trained in all divisions of SAA as well as in other South African projects, Swissair will also provide training to 10 SAA executives and 50 middle management staff annually. The cargo division will be represented among these.
"The agreement will bring global class skills to this country and create jobs," says Andrews.
The R1,4billion paid by Swissair for 20% of SAA goes to Transnet which still carries a considerable burden of the SAA deficit. But, says Andrews, SAA will save millions of rands in interest rates, obtain favourable terms for aircraft purchases and gain access to state-of-the-art technology as a result of the deal.
Swissair is a leading member of the alliance including Austrian Airlines and Sabena, to which SAA will now have access, while Swissair recently entered a commercial partnership with American Airlines - who are linked with SAA.
Under the agreement SAA will retain existing codeshare agreements and Swissair
will support SAA in negotiations with manufacturers Airbus and Boeing and help it obtain interest rates of 7 or 8%.
Swissair currently holds 49% of Sabena and European Union authorities are being asked to approve a proposal to put Swissair and Sabena under joint management. This would see SAA working with Sabena.
By Leonard Neill
Copyright Now Media (Pty) Ltd
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