INTO THE WILD TENTED CAMPS

INDWE WINNER SAPF 2015 - BEST EXTERNAL MAGAZINE - CATEGORY B YOUR FREE COPY FEBRUARY 2020

BLOEMFONTEIN WALVIS BAY CAPE TOWN GABORONE HOEDSPRUIT KIMBERLEY DURBAN

MTHATHA PORT ELIZABETH LUBUMBASHI

JOHANNESBURG EAST LONDON BULAWAYO

The new decade is in full swing, and all of us have rolled up our sleeves and are already immersed in making 2020 a productive year. However, none of us can ignore the bleak economic forecast that continues to affect all businesses – large and small. Our industry, in particular, is under much scrutiny as even more pressure is being exerted on government-owned airlines such as SA Express, whose validity of existence is increasingly questioned, even by non-industry experts.

SA Express plays a critical role in providing access to smaller markets, many of which were previously relatively unsafe to access due to improper infrastructure. Operations to Mthatha, for example, now provide an additional transport solution that not only helps to promote business growth but also assists in alleviating the high number of road accidents between East London and Mthatha.

Equally important is the fact that the airline also gives customers flexibility when travelling, in addition to an alternate price point. It is imperative to note that without competition on this route, flying was virtually inaccessible to the wider community due to the exorbitant airfares which are typical of markets without “competition”.

It is always good to weigh the noise and adverse commentary in the public domain with SA Express’ mandate as a strategic national asset. Our goal remains aligned with the country’s developmental

objectives: SA Express provides affordable and flexible access to air transportation while growing the economy and creating jobs by stimulating secondary routes and alleviating road fatalities. This is among the myriad of other benefits the airline is able to provide.

While it is easy to make unfair and unrealistic comparisons as a case to do away with the airline, there’s so much more to be considered. There is a huge contrast between SA Express and private competitors because they are purely commercial without any of the crucial nation-building subtleties required of this airline.

It must also be considered that the decision-making structures of public institutions and private companies are like chalk and cheese. An entity such as SA Express places elaborate focus on governance, while private airlines focus solely on commerce and are perceived to be more efficient, making them better positioned for opportunities to raise private equity.

That said, all of us at SA Express remain committed and are still here to work! It is our passion for our country and our airline that has ensured that we have remained in the skies, and we are ready to continue making our mark for years to come.

Thank you for continuing to choose SA Express.

Always, Siza

Customer Care Department Tel: 0861 729 227 Email: customercare@flyexpress.aero Twitter: @flySAexpress Facebook: SA Express Airways

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TJT MEDIA

Cover © Teagan Cunniffe / Wilderness Safaris

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DISCLAIMER: All material is strictly copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in Indwe Magazine are not necessarily those of SA Express. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions.

INTRIGUED BY AVIATION

Jacques Beck is the Divisional Manager: Airport Operations at SA Express and is responsible for overseeing the airline’s airport operations, ramp operations, load control, and cargo operations. His job entails ensuring that all these departments are operating smoothly, safely and within the prescribed timelines, as well ensuring industry compliance at all times. Indwe sat down with him recently to find out more.

Text & Images © SA Express

Indwe: Please tell us a bit about your experience and how you came to be in your current position? Jacques Beck (JB): Aviation has always intrigued me, since I was a boy. My aviation career started in January 1982 when I started working for SAA in their Cargo Division. I have always been an inquisitive person, looking and learning and wanting to expand my knowledge. I then became interested in the operations side of aviation, and was appointed as supervisor at Cape Town International Airport. Following that, I became a departure controller. This entailed aircraft weight and balance, and I was responsible for ensuring that the aircraft was loaded correctly so that it could take off and land safely. I was then appointed as a facilitator, training ground staff, and also started the training school for ground staff in Cape Town. I did this for a few years before I was appointed Manager of Domestic Operation in Cape Town. In 2004, I was promoted to Senior Manager of International Operations and Client Airlines, and relocated to Johannesburg. In 2010, I acquired a job at SA Express as Airport Manager overseeing the Bloemfontein region, before moving into my current position as Divisional Manager: Airport Operations.

Indwe: What are the challenges that you face on a daily basis? JB: We fly aircraft that are mechanically driven, and therefore delayed flights are always a challenge that we have to deal with. This affects our loyal customers and it is then our task to ensure that we assist them, and as much as possible minimize the disruptions they are going through.

Indwe: What types of hobbies do you enjoy outside of work? JB: I love the outdoors and gardening, which also helps me to destress. I also have two motorbikes and after a long early-morning drive, you are guaranteed to find me with a smile on my face! I also enjoy camping with my whole family, and if I get a chance, I gym a bit – but only if there is time!

Indwe: What is your favourite destination that SA Express flies to and why? JB: SA Express recently start flying to Bulawayo [Zimbabwe] and I have to say that I have met the friendliest, most humble and amazing people there.

Indwe: Do you have any words of encouragement to young people, especially those who aspire to pursue a career in the aviation industry? JB: Aviation is a unique industry with a vast number of opportunities. The scope of work is enormous and there is something for everyone. What I love

about this industry is that no two days are the same, especially if you work in the operations side of the industry.

Indwe: Do you have a parting message for our passengers? JB: SA Express has been through a lot lately, but we are on our way back to being a main competitor again. You have flown the rest, now try the best! /