TIM Clyde-Smith, South African Airways Asia Pacific Regional GM, says the airline is determined to remain open for business, despite ongoing ructions which led to the cessation of supplier insolvency coverage by the AFTA Chargeback Scheme (TD yesterday).
Clyde-Smith noted a statement released by the South African government, which is supporting SAA in its efforts to restore sales confidence.
He said the recent week-long strike had put the airline in a serious financial position, with South Africa’s Minister for the Department of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, saying SAA will only survive if it undergoes a radical restructure.
“We are determined to survive, and equally determined to continue our partnerships with our travel partners and deliver the service that our customers have been ticketed for.”
Clyde-Smith said SAA management was “working towards ensuring financial and operational sustainability going forward,” adding: “the airline will take bold initiatives to increase its market share”.
Reports from South Africa indicate SAA is currently in urgent talks with lenders, with the aim of securing sufficient funding to pay staff and operate its fleet until at least Mar 2020.
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Source: traveldaily