Originally Posted by starcrest
If we have a shortage of 737 pilots in SAA, isn't it cheaper to hire this guy than train a youngster with much less experience? I know this is what Cathay, Singapore, China, Saudi and many other airlines would do.
The difference is that there's no shortage of well qualified pilots who could easily be trained as 737 FOs in SA. These folks aren't being used because the positions are being filled by people who suit the demographic and political agenda (whether local or foreign), who aren't necessarily as qualified as they are.
SAA's apparent crew shortage could be alleviated by these people but they don't fit the requirement due to certain characteristics deemed undesirable by the political masters.