SAA Technical, a subsidiary of SAA, has experienced a range of challenges that
have led to a backlog of aircraft waiting for maintenance slots, SAA Technical told eTNW. The knock-on effect has
been an overall decline in on-time performance.
eTNW understands
that there has been overall decline in airline on-time performance for the past
12 months. SAAT handles maintenance for SAA, Mango and Comair.
Commenting on the challenges, Media Relations head of
department, Tlali Tlali, said: “SAAT
has experienced various challenges that resulted in a backlog of aircraft
waiting for maintenance slots.These
challenges range from parts for older aircraft which have to be manufactured
specifically for SAA as these parts are no longer in production by the OEMs as
well as unplanned exit of some narrow-bodied aircraft in 2017 creating
additional workload on the maintenance schedule.”
eTNW also
understands that challenges with SAAT’s system and a reduced management team have
affected its operations.
Tlali confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been
initiated against some managers following forensic investigations, but would
not comment further as the hearings had not been concluded.
Comair’s agreement with SAA Technical to maintain its current
fleet remains in place. However, the airline has entered into an agreement with
Lufthansa Technik for its new Boeing 737 MAX 8s and any further other additions
to its fleet. Susan Van Der Ryst,
corporate communications head of Comair, told eTNW that this was because LHT was the only aviation maintenance
organisation that could conduct the work.
