privatise
Bubbly Drinker,
Well said. One of the more balanced posts on the topic. (Pitch and Moan will probably not agree, but what else do we expect?)
However, I would disagree that SAA could make a go of international Ops. They could not compete against the likes of the European Flag carriers who have larger rescources and operate, even B747-400's, efficiently. I would hazard a guess that they would forever more have to be subsidized, regardless of what they do. (Dig at management here, not the pilots).
I agree that other operators could cover the domestic scene, and no doubt with some prudent expansion, could eventually even opperate successfully on the international routes, presently operated by The Kempton Park Flying Club.
Such expansion would no doubt provide all the present pilots at SAA with gainfull employment, however probably at more market related salaries. (OOPS, thats not what they want.)