Reopening of international flights: more questions than answers
When South Africa reopens its borders to international flights - how exactly will South African Airways (SAA) spread its wings?
It's a question posed by the SA Cabin Crew Association, after Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said that government's considering resuming international travel - in a bid to stimulate the economy.
Under the current COVID-19 restrictions, international flights remain suspended.
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The union, which represents many cabin crew workers, says there's no clear plan on the way forward for the cash-strapped airline.
SAA was placed under business rescue in December to save it from a financial collapse.
Now, its business rescue practitioners are awaiting feedback from Treasury this week on funding to complete a restructuring plan - which government says will cost over 2 500 jobs.
SACCA's Zazi Nsibanyoni-Anyiam said: "They are definitely going to lose market share should government not do anything about the situation at South African Airways right now.
"So we urge the inter-ministerial team to really look at who they give licences too. Before government opens up international flying, I think SAA should be looked at as we haven't even started flying domestic yet."
