Gulf Air, based in Bahrain, has an all economy subsidiary called Gulf Traveller, operating a fully fledged economy only service. They operate 5x 767/300's, mainly to the Sub-continent. (Pilot's are paid the same). It works well, and generates a lot of revenue for the airline. Thousands of pax cannot afford to fly, and many are quite happy, with a cheaper way to fly. With so many youngsters, and older people who don't need or want high prices, when they travel, Gulf Air, and to a lesser extent, Air Arabia, out of Sharjah, have shown it can and does work. Put these people in aeroplanes and keep them out of buses and trains. SAA, could well do the same. More pilot jobs, definately. As pilots, don't we want that?
Together, with the "sky-nannies", looking after young kids on the Western and Australian routes, and the "sky-chefs" as well, the airline has catered for both ends of the market, and is profiting from that. Easy Jet, Ryan Air etc have done it. Gulf Air as an airline are doing it. Take note SAA, it works.
tic