Aviation Analyst Dr Guy Leitch described the departure as unexpected, raising concerns about the absence of a clear succession plan at a critical moment for the airline. “This is a very significant event,” Leitch told Channel Africa on Friday. “There is no sign that a structured handover was in place, which leaves the airline exposed at a time when stability is essential.”
The appointment of an acting CEO with no aviation background has further unsettled analysts. Leitch said the lack of sector experience, combined with mounting financial pressures, puts the airline at risk during what he expects to be a difficult year.
Lamola, who led SAA for nearly four years, oversaw the airline’s cautious return to operations after business rescue. His strategy prioritised domestic and regional routes while avoiding rapid expansion into long‑haul markets such as the United States and Europe, largely due to limited capital.
While SAA pledged not to seek further government bailouts, financial strains have persisted. Leitch pointed to accounting controversies as a likely factor behind Lamola’s exit, including a restatement of profits into a significant loss for the 2024 financial year and concerns surrounding the 2025 annual report.
“The airline claimed profits, but operationally it lost more than $18.26 million,” he said, adding that once‑off income from asset sales masked underlying weaknesses. “These figures suggest the business is not sustainable in its current form.”
Although passenger numbers and flight frequencies have increased, load factors remain a major concern. Leitch said half‑full aircraft are common, well below the 75% threshold needed to generate sustainable profits. He also warned that SAA’s ageing fleet struggles to compete on fuel efficiency and passenger experience, leaving the airline at a disadvantage as fuel prices and global supply chain disruptions intensify.
Looking ahead, Leitch said the next CEO’s priority must be cost control. “SAA appears structured for a much larger airline than it currently is,” he said. “Reducing expenses is critical. Even breaking even would be a success.”
He cautioned that without decisive action, ongoing losses would be unsustainable for SA’s fiscus, saying the country cannot afford further subsidies for the airline.
–ChannelAfrica–
