By: Tarryn-Leigh Solomons
FlySafair has issued a detailed response amid growing concerns surrounding the recent industrial action taken by its pilots, confirming its commitment to passengers and a fair resolution with its flight crew. The statement comes as negotiations with trade union Solidarity, which represents the majority of FlySafair’s pilots, remain at an impasse.
Are FlySafair Pilots Underpaid?
Not according to the airline. In its public statement, FlySafair clarified that its captains earn between R1.8 million and R2.3 million per annum, placing them among the top 1% of income earners in South Africa. The company also revealed that some pilots earn more than its executive committee members, with salaries benchmarked above most local aviation industry standards.
FlySafair noted that last month, its captains flew an average of 63 hours, well below the regulatory cap of 100 hours set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), IATA, and ICAO. Additional duties, including training, administrative time, and standby shifts — which the airline stresses are served from home — are also part of their responsibilities.
Read more: FlySafair Reschedules Flights Amid Looming Pilot Strike
The Heart of the Dispute
The current dispute hinges on salary increases and scheduling concerns. Solidarity has demanded a 10.5% base salary hike, plus additional flight pay and bonuses, which FlySafair says translates to a more than 20% increase in total cost to the company, a figure it deems financially unsustainable.
In contrast, FlySafair has proposed a 5.7% increase in base pay, which is 1.5% above current inflation, alongside a flight-pay-linked bonus structure. According to the airline, the total package equates to an 11.29% increase — a figure it believes balances fair remuneration with the need to remain competitive and accessible to customers.
Roster Reform: The Flashpoint
FlySafair also addressed pilots’ dissatisfaction with a new monthly roster system introduced earlier this year. This system, the airline notes, aligns with global aviation standards and was designed to enhance pilot flexibility and operational efficiency. It allows pilots to receive their schedules by the 20th of the previous month, with a preferential leave bidding process and a duty swap marketplace built in.
While some pilots have expressed concerns about its impact on work-life balance, FlySafair asserts that modifying the system could hinder flexibility and affect the airline’s ability to offer affordable flights to the public.
Passengers Still Come First
FlySafair emphasised that it began engaging with pilots over the roster system as early as March 2024, and remains committed to constructive negotiation. However, it maintains that the current demands could compromise business sustainability.
“We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our loyal customers and the broader flying public,” the airline said in closing. “Our goal remains to reach a reasonable resolution quickly, restore trust, and continue building the airline so many South Africans rely on.”
What Travellers Need to Know
In the interim, FlySafair has already rescheduled certain flights between 22 and 28 July 2025 and is contacting affected passengers directly. Customers are allowed to amend their bookings at no additional cost via the airline’s website.
