FlySafair has entered a new era of stability and collaboration as the airline successfully concluded a four-year labour agreement with the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA). The deal, reached on Thursday, 13 November, comes after an extended period of negotiations and marks a significant turning point for the airline’s cabin crew and its broader operational strategy.
This agreement brings closure to what had been a tense and closely followed labour dispute. After weeks of back-and-forth discussions, rejected proposals, and renewed bargaining sessions, both parties have now aligned on a future-focused contract that aims to support employee welfare while maintaining FlySafair’s commitment to sustainable operations.
According to Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, the newly signed agreement closely mirrors the offer the airline had placed on the table the previous Friday—an offer initially rejected by SACCA before eventually being accepted in its revised context. Gordon explained that the core components of the agreement remained consistent, offering tangible financial and structural benefits to cabin crew members over the next four years.
A Strategic Breakthrough for FlySafair’s Future
He highlighted that the contract includes base pay increases ranging between 6% and 6.9% across the different years, providing crew members with predictable salary progression. This steady increment not only offers financial assurance but also aligns with FlySafair’s long-term workforce planning strategy.
Another key element of the agreement is a guaranteed 7.5% annual bonus, a component designed to recognise consistent performance and ensure that employees share in the airline’s success. For many cabin crew members, this bonus structure contributes significantly to overall annual earnings and reinforces the airline’s commitment to employee appreciation.
Gordon also pointed out the inclusion of agreed notch progressions, which serve as structured career-advancement steps for cabin attendants. These progressions help ensure that cabin crew have a clear pathway for professional growth within the airline—a factor that contributes significantly to job satisfaction, retention, and long-term motivation.
In addition to salary-related adjustments, FlySafair has incorporated a daily meal allowance of R30 for days when cabin crew are operating flights. While this allowance may seem modest, it is an important acknowledgment of the day-to-day realities of crew life, especially during long operational hours and turnaround times.
Altogether, Gordon stated that the combined value of the four-year agreement reflects an effective increase of approximately 19% per individual. This figure accounts for direct salary improvements as well as added benefits and structured progression opportunities. For cabin crew members, the agreement represents not just financial uplift but also a strengthened sense of security and professional recognition.
Beyond the numbers, this agreement signals a stabilising moment for FlySafair following a period of labour tension that generated industry interest and public scrutiny. As one of South Africa’s leading low-cost carriers, FlySafair relies heavily on operational consistency and employee cooperation to maintain its strong reputation for punctuality, reliability, and affordability.
Labour stability is essential in the aviation industry, where disruptions can have cascading effects on schedules, customer satisfaction, and commercial performance. With this new four-year agreement in place, FlySafair is better positioned to maintain uninterrupted operations while doubling down on its growth and service improvement plans.
Gordon confirmed that the company is also continuing with the process of having its internal policies tested at the Department of Labour. This move emphasises FlySafair’s intention to operate with transparency and regulatory compliance, ensuring that company policies align with national labour standards. It also reflects the airline’s commitment to building trust—both with employees and with the broader public.
The newly finalised agreement stands as a testament to the importance of open dialogue, compromise, and shared vision. For FlySafair, securing this long-term deal with SACCA not only resolves an immediate labour dispute but also sets a collaborative foundation for years to come.
As FlySafair continues to expand routes, grow its fleet, and serve millions of passengers, having a motivated and fairly compensated cabin crew is essential. This agreement ensures that crew members remain valued contributors to the airline’s success, reinforcing FlySafair’s status as one of South Africa’s most trusted and customer-focused carriers.
Source- EWN