FlySafair pilots return to the cockpit

FlySafair flights are expected to return to full capacity following the end of a 12-day strike by the airline’s pilots.

About 200 of the organisation’s pilots were demanding a 10.5% salary increase, while the airline was only offering a 5.7% hike.

The strike which is said to be the the longest in South African history, ended today following talks between the aviation company and Solidarity, which represents most of the pilots.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) facilitated the negotiations.

The parties signed a four-year wage agreement for above-inflation wage increases.

Trade union Solidarity says it has secured fixed roster rules, improved rest periods, and guaranteed days off.

Solidarity’s Deputy General Secretary, Helgard Cronje, says the pilots will receive salary increases of between 6 and 6,9% over four years.

“These percentages will also apply to annual adjustments of travel and accommodation allowances, as well as the medical allowance,” said Cronje.

Cronje says pilots will also receive additional compensation for any hours exceeding 65 flying hours per month.

Despite the agreement, Solidarity warns that deeper issues remain unresolved, urging FlySafair to overhaul its approach to labour relations.

The union says pilots’ lack of trust in management became clear during negotiations.

FlySafair-skikking: Basiese beskerming vir vlieëniers en ? terugslag vir arbeidsverhoudinge

Ná 12 dae van uitsluiting en staking deur FlySafair-vlieëniers, is daar uiteindelik deur middel van die (KVBA) se skikkingsvoorstel, ? ooreenkoms bereik.

Lees hier:…

— Solidariteit (@solidariteit) August 1, 2025

 

FlySafair says it is pleased that the strike action by some of their pilots has officially come to an end.

Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, Kirby Gordon, says the agreement marks the conclusion of a challenging but ultimately productive negotiation process.

“FlySafair extends its sincere thanks to the CCMA for its guidance in reaching a balanced outcome, to the 1,800 FlySafair employees, including many pilots, who worked tirelessly to maintain a stable service; and especially to our passengers for their patience and support during this period,” said Gordon.

The airline has also thanked passengers for their patience and emphasized its ongoing commitment to affordable and reliable service.