Fin24 reports that the Grant Back, chair of the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA), said in a statement on Monday that the "dysfunctional" SA Airways (SAA) needed a new CEO with a strong track record in the aviation sector and an unrivalled understanding of the industry.
He was reacting to the sudden resignation of Group CEO Vuyani Jarana on the weekend. Back commented as follows: “Mr Jarana did his best to turn SAA around under incredibly difficult circumstances. We were supportive of his integrity, commitment and vision to right-size SAA and make it fit for purpose. We are deeply troubled at reports that the CEO’s turn-around plan was sabotaged internally and externally. In the end, the CEO was hobbled by inflexible and restrictive government policy as well as the board and shareholder taking active roles in executive decision making.” He added that the situation had been exacerbated by the SAA executive structure. According to Back, Jarana’s resignation was a blow to the airline, but was also an opportunity for the shareholder. SAAPA said it was seeking a meeting with Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan to offer "constructive proposals" on the way forward.
- Read the full original of Carin Smith’s report in the above regard at Fin24
Read SAAPA’s press statement at Politicsweb
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page