News24
Johannesburg - South African Airways (SAA) announced on Friday that Chris Smyth, general manager of operations, had been appointed as acting chief executive officer (CEO) of the airline.
Earlier this week, the airline announced that its CEO, Khaya Ngqula, was on "special leave" while an investigation is conducted into claims of alleged mismanagement.
Smyth has been at the helm of the critical area of operations for almost two years. He joined the airline in May 2007 from Virgin Nigeria Airways where he was chief financial officer and a director of the board, and was previously group financial director of Kenya Airways during the turnaround of that airline.
"Mr Smyth is a pilot who has worked in the aviation industry for more than a decade, focusing particularly on financial issues, and his in-depth knowledge of the industry will stand him in good stead in his new acting position.
"The shareholder and the Board have expressed full confidence in Mr Smyth, and the Board and executive team will give him their full support," the airline said in a statement.
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