Truly sad the way the press is hurting aviation in SA. Most of the facts that these so-called reporters obtain by means of extensive research, and by speaking to some expert, are actually little snippets gathered by browsing through consumer forums. What a shame.
Crews following procedures, taking care of safety first, even when they know the bad publicity will certainly follow. Then the silly press comes and exploits professionalism and great standards by seeking pure sensationalism. The press are making a mockery of good standards and practises in the aviation industry.
Did the the informed reporter mention perhaps that Kulula and BA/Comair the same except for aircraft type? Surely the same training, operational and maintenance standards apply to both entities?
Have flown 1 Time and Kulula on many occasions. Sure also had a few delays. Never as bad though as my experiences with SAA. Had a 3 hour delay on 1 Time to Durban once but the free ticket was a excellent consillation. Staff always great. Also great bunch of pilots (not skygods). MD82's and DC 9 very comfortable. Food excellent and cheaper than within the airport.
As for SAA guys who regard al things in aviation except SAA as substandard, does'nt Safair also maintain some of your aircaft?Quite a few very good ex SAA engineers work at Safair and Aeronexus and does sterling job there. These low cost carriers would also be a lot better off if they did not have to compete with a state subsidised airline which are forever enaging in dirty tricks and price wars without being able to show a profit.
1 Time and Kulula got the SA public flying again ! Everybody can now afford to fly. Just ask the East London residents. Even SAA pilots uses 1 Time and Kulula. Confirmed airfaires are often lower on these carriers than his/her SAA id 90 ticket.
A friend working for 1 Time told me that a few SAA pilots were given jump seats on 1 Time during the SAA strike, just to get to work.
Maybe the airline industry should start boycotting the press by witholding all avaition related information until such time as the press starts reporting responsibly about aviation.
Go 1 Time and Kulula. Will definately be on board again once back from contract.
Keep up the good work !!!