SAA like 'a patient in hospital' - CFO
South African Airways (SAA) interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Deon Fredericks has described the airline as a patient in the hospital needing intensive care.
Fredricks confirmed that the crippled airline is struggling to recover from mountains of debt and a crisis in its top ranks.
Speaking at the national carrier’s head offices in Kempton Park on Tuesday afternoon, Fredricks defended plans to retrench over 900 workers.
SAA estimates the retrenchments could save the airline up to R700 million.
"Ultimately we want to grow the airline so it's the right people in the right positions then we can start."
He added that SAA is also starting to look at new routes to grow the embattled airline.
Fredricks moved to assure unions and employees that they would consult with all those affected by the restructuring.
"It's a difficult process but we will do it from our side in the following manner: consult with the employees who are potentially affected, consult in good faith because that's the least we expect, treat all employees with dignity and respect," he said.
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Number of employees affected by restructuring could change - SAA
The troubled state-owned airline on Monday announced a restructuring process that could affect 944 employees and "lead to job losses". Speaking at the national carrier's head offices in Kempton Park on Tuesday afternoon, Head of Human Resources Martin Kemp said they are committed to reducing the number of retrenchments.