By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
FlySafair has confirmed that operations continued largely as scheduled but unfortunately a quantity (8%) of its flights had to be cancelled today amid the potential pilot strike.
FlySafair pilots will strike on July 21 after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) issued a strike certificate to the pilot union.
Salary negotiations between the airline and pilots reached a deadlock last week after almost 84% of Solidarity members rejected FlySafair’s proposal of a 5,7% salary increase with some additional adjustments to compensation.
They’re demanding a 10.5% wage increase for 2025/26, followed by a consumer price index (CPI) plus 4.5% increase for 2026/27, and a CPI plus 4% increase for 2027/28.
Read the full statement send to Fullview below:
FlySafair confirms that operations continue largely as scheduled today, but unfortunately a quantity (8%) of flights have had to be cancelled today.
These flights were assigned to pilots who had confirmed their availability to fly, but who late last night, reported that they would not fly. All other flights are operating as planned, and affected customers have been contacted directly using details provided atthe time of booking. Should there be further disruptions, customers will be notified promptly.
We thank our teams both on the aircraft and on the ground for their tireless commitment and hard work to ensure that disruptions are minimised as far as possible.
“While FlySafair has opted not to publicly share the full details of current offers out of discretion toward our pilot team, we believe it is important—particularly given recent public commentary—to outline some key facts that clarify the company’s position and the business realities we face.”
Competitive Pay and Working Conditions
FlySafair pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in the country. Our Captains earn, between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually—placing them well within the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many pilots earn more than members of FlySafair’s Executive Committee.
These salaries are regularly benchmarked against those at other local airlines and are higher than most. In terms of workload, FlySafair Captains spent an average of 63 hours last month in the cockpit flying passengers. This is well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority, IATA, and ICAO, which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month.
Additional responsibilities such as training and o ice time are factored in, as is standby duty— where pilots must be ready to fly at short notice—which is served from home under minimal restrictions.
The Nature of the Dispute
At the core of the current industrial action is a dispute over pay and scheduling. Solidarity, has demanded a 10.5% increase on base salaries, as well as additional flight pay and bonuses. While this demand is already perceived as steep it’s important to note that when factoring in the additional demands, the total impact actually amounts to
more than a 20% increase in overall cost to company—an unsustainable escalation for any company.
By contrast, the company’s current o er is a 5.7% increase on base pay which is 1.5% above inflation. This already substantial o er was made including other benefits (including a bonus) which increased that number significantly on a cost to company basis.
This offer was made in good faith and with a view to balancing fair compensation for employees with the airline’s financial sustainability and customer a ordability. This offer was designed to balance the other 1700 employees of the airline and the sustainability and resilience of the company with the demands of the pilots.
On the Rostering System
A second area of contention is the pilot roster system implemented by FlySafair at the start of the year. This system—standard across the global airline industry and in force in every other airline in South Africa—allows pilots to receive their full monthly rosters by the 20th of the preceding month, enabling personal planning and scheduling. It also includes a preferential leave bidding process and a structured marketplace to facilitate
duty swaps within regulated flight and duty limits.
The system was designed to improve operational e iciency and provide pilots with maximum flexibility. Attempts by Solidarity to alter or limit this system would strip away its key benefits, undermining FlySafair’s ability to compete with other airlines and maintain cost-e ective operations.
A Reasoned Position
FlySafair has worked to resolve these issues constructively and transparently. Consultations regarding the roster started in March 2024 to address the crew’s concerns. However, the demands being made are, in their current form, economically unfeasible and would erode the airline’s competitive advantage in the market. We have therefore had to take firm, but reasoned steps to protect the long-term viability of the business and the a ordability of our fares for South African travellers.
We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our loyal customers and the broader flying public. Our goal remains to reach a reasonable resolution quickly, restore trust, and continue building the airline so many South Africans rely on.
FlySafair remains fully committed to engaging with our pilots in good faith and finding a way forward that balances fairness for our people with our responsibility to our customers and the sustainability of the business.
FlySafair currently operates an estimated 60–65% of South Africa’s domestic seat capacity. The exact number of pilots participating in the upcoming strike remains unconfirmed.