Air force seeks co-operation to fill skills gap

Julius Baumann

THE South African Air Force is to team up with private sector players, including airline group Comair and defence company Denel, in a bid to alleviate its severe skills shortage.

The air force has already concluded an agreement with Comair, allowing the airline to use its bases as an alternative airport in the case of a forced diversion. In return, the airline would make its pilots available to join the reserve force to help with numerous roles, including training. In the case of Denel, the two organisations plan to share training and other facilities while Denel allows its technicians to join the reserve force.

Lt-Gen Carlo Gagiano, chief of the air force, said in an interview on Friday that the entire South African aviation sector faced an enormous skills shortage and the situation was likely to deteriorate if the industry did not work together.

The air force and the industry was not only losing technicians, pilots and air traffic controllers to Australia, Europe and Middle Eastern countries, but to other sectors of the economy. "We are losing technicians to the telecommunication industry where their skills are in huge demand. We are simply not able to compete on salary."

He said the average age of technicians was high, with many approaching retirement. "To make matters worse SA is not producing new technicians. From what I have seen, the number of new technicians is shockingly low."

Gagiano said the air force was in talks with South African Airways regarding co-operation. "We are pursuing a much broader agreement with SAA." The agreement is likely to go beyond the drafting of SAA pilots and technicians into the reserve force, to the sharing of resources.

SAA spokeswoman Robyn Chalmers confirmed yesterday that the airline was discussing opportunities for co-operation with the air force about pilots, technicians and the airline's cadet pilot programme.

"Although no formal agreement has been concluded our discussions continue as we believe they can deliver benefits to both parties. SAA Technical is also committed to supporting initiatives which can alleviate the shortage of technicians," said Chalmers.

Gagiano said that while the air force was at its ideal complement of between 10500 and 11000, it lacked skills. "Those who have left have been replaced with far less experienced people," he said.

This year the air force would introduce bridging education for new recruits, including computer skills and proficiency in English, maths and science. "Our members have to deal with highly sophisticated systems such as the Gripen fighter jet which requires higher skills."

Source: Business Day