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A new fuel scheme in place at London's Heathrow airport was good news for South African Airways as it ended diversions via Milan, the airline said on Thursday.
"It is good news on one hand but, on the other, something they can withdraw at a day's notice," SAA flight operations general manager Colin Jordaan said.
Fuel supplies to Heathrow were severely disrupted on December 11 after a fire at the Buncefield Fuel Depot that supplies the airport with fuel.
At the time it was estimated the depot would take 18 months to repair.
Jordaan said the fuel situation at Heathrow was now under control and SAA was assured of an adequate supply of fuel until February 20 -- depending on stocks being maintained.
The new agreement, brokered by the International Air Transport Association (Iata), comes into effect on the same day.
Jordaan cautioned that despite the Iata agreement, the crisis would only be over when the reconstruction of the depot was complete.
Iata Southern Africa spokesperson Linden Birns said the new arrangement levelled the playing field for all airlines operating long haul flights from Heathrow, including SAA.
No longer would British airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and British Midland receive a proportionally larger allocation of fuel than the foreign airlines operating into Heathrow.
Under the revised regime, all operators of long haul flights would receive 92% of their normal fuel allocation.
In a statement released in London, Iata said the agreement resulted from intense negotiations among airlines.
"The first priority of all concerned was maintaining operations at Heathrow with 35% less fuel supply. Airline co-operation was critical and we have achieved a great and historical result," said Iata director general Giovanni Bisignani.
The British Airports Authority was pleased the airlines had reached the agreement.
"With 186 000 passengers using Heathrow every day, this workable
solution is beneficial for all. BAA is convinced that this solution is a positive step forward and will continue working on options toward a long term return to a fully robust supply," said airport managing director Mick Temple. - Sapa