Federal Airlines and Mayday-SA Sign Industry-First MoU to Lead the Way in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Aviation

MEDIA RELEASE – 2 MAY 2025

Federal Airlines Safety Manager Wade Laing with Mayday-SA CEO Jaco van der Westhuizen, joined by FedAir crew members Christopher and Warren.

Federal Airlines is proud to announce the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mayday-SA, establishing a confidential and professional Pilot Peer Support Programme. This marks the first formalised agreement of its kind in Africa between a commercial airline and a dedicated mental health support service tailored specifically for aviation professionals. The Peer Support Programme (PSP) is designed to provide structured, non-judgmental support to pilots facing professional or personal challenges.

Peer support in aviation is built on two foundational pillars:

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) delivering structured support following aviation accidents or critical incident trauma. Mental Health and Wellbeing Offering proactive engagement, education, and resources to help aviation professionals build and maintain psychological resilience in a safety-critical environment. Mayday-SA, a registered not-for-profit organisation with public benefit status, provides confidential peer support and mental health resources to a broad spectrum of aviation professionals including pilots, cabin crew, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers, and management personnel. Through a network of trained volunteers and aviation-experienced psychologists, the organisation offers structured, non-judgmental support in the wake of incidents, training challenges, trauma, grief, or other personal or professional stressors.

Federal Airlines CEO Lourens Engelbrecht and Mayday-SA CEO Jaco van der Westhuizen following the official signing of the MoU.

This formal partnership reflects Federal Airlines’ unwavering commitment to the safety, performance, and holistic wellbeing of our teams, on the ground and in the skies. By embedding Mayday-SA’s proactive, salutogenic (health-promoting) approach within our operations, we aim to create a culture where mental health awareness is not only encouraged but actively supported. “Our people are our greatest asset,” says Lourens Engelbrecht, CEO of Federal Airlines. This MoU is an extension of our ongoing commitment to safety, excellence, and the human side of aviation. We’re proud to lead the way in advancing wellness in our industry.” We also wish to acknowledge the leadership of our Safety Manager, Wade Laing, whose dedication to operational excellence and human performance made this collaboration possible.

The official MoU between Federal Airlines and Mayday-SA.

With this MoU, safety is not just strengthened – it’s redefined.

Mental health is a shared responsibility, and no one should have to navigate challenges alone. Whether you're dealing with stress, trauma, or simply need someone to talk to, confidential support is available.

For any aviation professional in need, please ask for Mayday:

📞 +27 12 333 6000
📧 support@mayday-sa.org.za
🌐 mayday-sa.org.za