South African Aviation: Pilot Strikes, Pay Wars & a Failing Flag Carrier — What Comes Next?

🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT

This week on the Bryan Air Podcast, we dive into a turning point for one of South Africa’s leading low-cost carriers. Pilots have rejected a proposed salary increase, triggering strike action and exposing cracks in airline rostering, management, and morale. We also unpack SAA’s shocking financial figures and what they reveal about deeper instability in the national aviation framework. From pilot burnout to brain drain,  this episode covers it all.

⏱️ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN

* 00:00 - Welcome to the Bryan Air Podcast * 03:01 - The 5.7% salary offer that pilots walked away from * 08:01 - Roster system backlash and its impact on pilot wellbeing * 15:01 - The growing pilot brain drain and looming talent crisis * 25:01 - Patriotism, pay, and the price of staying local * 35:01 - SAA’s latest financial report and the command dilemma

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