Airlines operating out of OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg faced significant delays on Monday due to refuelling challenges.
OR Tambo grapples with refuelling challenges
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) issued a statement confirming the disruption, attributing the issue to technical difficulties affecting the airport’s refuelling infrastructure.
Technicians have been deployed to address the situation, and efforts are underway to minimise disruptions.
While ACSA has not disclosed the expected timeline for full resolution, the company has committed to providing regular updates to passengers and airlines.
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In other news, South African Airways (SAA) has reached a conditional agreement with striking pilots represented by the South African Airline Pilots Association (SAAPA) and the National Transport Movement – Pilots Forum (NTM-PF).
The deal comes after a strike that began on Thursday, 5 December 2024 and disrupted approximately 60% of the airline’s flights during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
The agreement marks the start of an eight-week negotiation period aimed at addressing key issues, including fair rostering practices and the restructuring of salaries.
Pilots have expressed concerns about fatigue caused by excessive workloads, with many working beyond the recommended annual flight hours set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
SAA’s interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, noted that the airline is committed to implementing workplace improvements to enhance pilot productivity.
“Continuous enterprise improvement programs will proceed in the coming weeks,” Lamola said.
As negotiations continue, pilots are also seeking a review of salary structures to reflect the responsibilities of captains versus first officers.
Additionally, SAAPA has raised concerns about transformation policies implemented during SAA’s retrenchment process, which they claim disproportionately affected white male pilots.
