Restructuring Could Lead to 900+ Job Cuts At Embattled SAA

Riyaz Patel

Struggling state-owned airline South African Airways (SAA) could cut more than 900 jobs as it restructures to stem severe financial losses, the entity said in a statement Tuesday.

SAA said it had started consultations with its more than 5,000 staff and was talking to labour unions.

“South African Airways has informed all its 5,146 employees that it is embarking on a restructuring process which may lead to job losses,” the SAA statement said.

The proposed restructuring includes all SAA divisions and departments, but it excludes excluding its Mango Airlines, Air Chefs and SAA Technical units, it said.

The national carrier said it is facing “numerous challenges” including insufficient revenue, volatile fuel prices and mounting debt.

The embattled airline has not made an annual profit since 2011 and is grappling with severe funding difficulties and an inefficient and ageing fleet of airplanes.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced in