FlySafair Defends Salary Offer as Pilots Demand 10.5% Increase Amid CCMA Talks
- FlySafair is expected to meet with the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) as negotiations between the airline and pilots continued
- FlySafair's pilots, represented by trade union Solidarity, have demanded a 10.5% increase in their salary
- Speaking to Briefly News, the airline defended its offer and said that its pilots are paid competitively
Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
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JOHANNESBURG — FlySafair has defended the salary it pays its pilots, who went on strike after it demanded a 10.5% salary increase. FlySafair's Chief Marketing Officer spoke to Briefly News on 23 July 2025, the day it is expected to meet with the Council of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Gordon said FlySafair pilots are paid competitively in the market, more than pilots at many competitors. She said the pilots' salaries have always been conscientiously benchmarked. Gordon criticised the 10.5% demand Solidarity made on behalf of its pilots and said that it exceeds the industry norms.
"While Solidarity has publicly framed its demand as a 10.5% increase in base salary, the full proposal, when factoring in flight pay, bonuses, and other benefits, amounts to a 20.1% increase in total cost to the company. This significantly exceeds industry norms and current economic trends, when many employees have been receiving annual increases of about 42%," she said.
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Gordon told Briefly News that FlySafair's offer includes a 5.7% increase in base salary, which equates to an 11.29% increase in total cost to the company.
"We believe that this is a fair and responsible offer that balances competitive remuneration with the long-term sustainability of the airline and affordability for South African passengers."
Passengers are a top priority: Gordon
Gordon also said that the airline's top priority remains the safety and convenience of its passengers. She said that FlySafair is currently operating a reduced but stable flight schedule, which it implemented last week in anticipation of the industrial action.
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"While the strike is still in effect, our flights are operating as planned. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any changes to affected customers well in advance, " she said.
She also said that the airline's airport teams are on standby to assist with rebookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements. She said that while the airline cannot pre-empt the CCMA meeting's outcomes, its goal is to reach a resolution that is fair for the pilots and the airline.
FlySafair also recently assured customers that it would continue to fly after the Air Services Licensing Council ruled against it. The Council ruled that FlySafair adjust its flight scheduling after it was accused of overbooking flights.
FlySafair employee shares things needed for a flight
In a related article, Briefly News reported that a FlySafair employee shared a TikTok video with information on what passengers should bring before they board a FlySafair flight. Her video was warmly received.
She said that passengers must arrive two to three hours before departure time, bringing the right documents, and always start at the counter if they're not familiar with the airport.
"Also, don't talk to strangers or keep their bags for them," a social media user chimed in.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
