Airlink has announced it will be ending its partnership with SAA and will operate independently from 11 June 2020. Airlink will operate under its own flight code ‘4Z’. In a statement, Airlink said: ‘This decision represents an important milestone in extending the commercial reach of the airline in its own right.’ The partnership between SAA and Airlink has been redefined by placing the franchise agreement with a new commercial arrangement which will come into effect on 11 June 2020 ‘Where in terms of the franchise, flights operated by Airlink carry the “SA8” flight designator, under the new commercial arrangement, they will operate as Airlink’s unique “4Z” code. The new agreement will enable a seamless transition with minimum inconvenience to customers. ‘The change marks a new era in the long-standing commercial agreement with SAA. While SAA remains an important strategic pillar in Airlink’s strategy, the new arrangement gives Airlink the freedom to extend its commercial reach, develop more routes and frequencies on an independent basis and extend or establish additional agreements with other leading international airlines.’ ‘Marketing and selling flights under our own 4Z code is an exciting development for Airlink as we propagate our business and take advantage of new market opportunities. At the same time, we will be able to strengthen our vital partnership with SAA,’ said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster. ‘While we intend working with SAA’s business rescue practicitioners to find a solution that enables SAA to continue playing its important role in the Southern African market, we have a responsibility to take action to preserve Airlink’s viability as a financially-robust, independent and privately-owned airline. However, should SAA’s circumstance worsen, then Airlink will activate the transition sooner – immediately, if necessary,’ said Foster.

Source: Getaway Magazine

South African Airways (SAA) has cancelled "a few domestic flights," the state airline's spokesman Tlali Tlali said on Tuesday, adding that a statement would be issued shortly. SAA is running short of cash after the government failed to provide R2 billion rand of emergency funding it promised when the airline entered a form of bankruptcy protection last month.While SAA has not revealed any news on the cancellation, Flight Centre seemed to have confirmed it. In a tweet, the company revealed: “South African Airways (SAA) has cancelled a number of their domestic and international flights. We are in the process of contacting our customers to advise and assist. Should you be affected and wish to discuss your options, please contact your Travel Expert.” (sic). Flight Centre told IOL Travel the company would reveal a statement in the next hour. SAA on Monday, January 20, assured its customers and stakeholders that flights to all its destinations continue as normal. “The airline is aware of media reports suggesting that it will cease operations. SAA is always committed to transparently communicate with all stakeholders, including customers, about any material or significant operational changes that may have an impact on flight schedules. “Where there may be flight schedule amendments, such operational changes will be managed and communicated in accordance with the industry norms and practices,” the statement revealed. Many travellers faced the same predicament in November when the airline cancelled nearly all its domestic, regional and international flights. SAA Spokesperson Tlali Tlali revealed at the time that only flights operated by South African Airways were affected. If you have booked with SAA, head over to their website at FlySAA to check the status of your flight.

Source: IOL

Boeing has identified a problem with the software on the 737 Max designed to monitor the performance of other systems during aircraft startup, adding another hitch to the Max’s return-to-service. The issue is relatively minor, according to an aviation safety expert, and unrelated to the flight control system implicated as a factor leading to two crashes. Boeing says it is working to fix the problem, which came to light during a final review of the Max by the Federal Aviation Administration prior to certification. “We are aware of this issue,” Boeing says in a 17 January statement. “We are making necessary updates and working with the FAA on submission of this change, and keeping our customers informed.” The FAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The issue involves software that monitors various other systems. It ensures those systems properly come on line at startup when electricity is run through the aircraft, either via ground power or using the Max’s auxiliary power unit, according to Boeing and sources familiar with the issue. One of the system’s monitors was found to be functioning incorrectly, Boeing says. John Goglia, an aviation safety expert, former airline mechanic and former member of the National Transportation Safety Board, describes the issue as minor. He says that if the software system failed to detect an issue with the Max’s systems, pilots would still likely receive an indication of that fault in the cockpit.

Source: Cirium