Consider the long-term health of the airline: FlySafair responds to pilots' open letter

Low-cost carrier FlySafair has responded to the emotional open letter issued by its striking pilots on Tuesday, reiterating that it remains committed to the negotiation process.

“We acknowledge the emotion behind the message and respect the right of any employee group to express their views. This is a difficult moment, and it’s clear that both sides care deeply about their positions,” the airline said in a statement.

“We will not engage in point-by-point rebuttals or counterclaims. Our focus is not on winning arguments - it is on finding resolution.

“What matters most to us is reaching an outcome that protects the long-term health of the business, supports the well-being of all our employees, and restores unity in a team that has achieved extraordinary things together.”

FlySafair confirmed that the parties were due to return to the negotiation table on Wednesday afternoon, with the process once again set to be guided by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

In the open letter, issued on their behalf by trade union Solidarity, the pilots labelled FlySafair’s new algorithm-driven rostering system as “brutal”, stating that it resulted in erratic schedules and minimal rest. They said the new algorithm could not even guarantee them one weekend off per month to spend with their families.

However, in its counterclaim, FlySafair said it already provides its pilots with guaranteed weekends off as part of its rostering rules, although the carrier did not confirm how frequent this was. It said the most recent settlement proposal, which was rejected by the union, was designed to go a step further by empowering the pilot body to shape its own roster rules through an independently chaired committee.

“The nature of public discourse has become increasingly polarised, and while we won’t respond to misinformation with more noise, we will continue to be guided by facts, responsibility, and respect,” FlySafair said.

The airline said it remains “focused, calm, and determined to do the right thing under pressure.”

The pilot strike is now in its second week, with no resolution in sight. Solidarity said FlySafair's offer of a 5.7% pay increase is largely acceptable, but the rostering system remains a point of contention.

Tuesday’s open letter from the pilots - read the full statement here - expressed concerns over safety, fatigue, and a culture of intimidation at the airline. Pilots have been asking for fairer working conditions and at least one guaranteed weekend off per month.

“Let us be clear: this strike is not about greed. It is about dignity. It is about safety. It is about fairness. It is about being heard,” the letter declared. 

The pilots pointed out that this year alone, 37 experienced professionals have resigned, not in search of indulgent lifestyles, but in pursuit of stability and respect - some having invested years and large sums in their training, only to find their working conditions jeopardising their well-being.

Although FlySafair claims its pilots average 63 flight hours per month, Solidarity countered that many line pilots actually fly 85 to over 100 hours monthly.

The union also expressed alarm over the airline's legal dispensation to mandate pilots fly up to 120 hours per month in a safety-critical environment.

Amid the strike, FlySafair said it continues to operate a “stable but reduced” flight schedule, with more pilots returning to duty each day.

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