Fran Heron, Mango revenue manager and a veteran of SAA, passed away on Sunday, June 20, at the age of 70, after a short illness.
Sean Bradley, chief business development officer Africa at Travelwings.com, said he was mentored by Fran and worked alongside her at SAA for many years. He said the enormous contribution she made to SAA and Mango was beyond words and the void she leaves ‘incomprehensible”.
Fran started her 39-year career with SAA as a ground hostess, later serving in operational areas of the business and eventually moving into revenue management where she developed her natural flair for understanding flight performance in terms of load factors.
“Fran’s ability to achieve load factors at the desired yields was based on her instinctive understanding of every flight – even those outside her responsibility,” said Sean.
When the Helderberg went down near Mauritius in 1987, it was Fran who called the next of kin, which affected her deeply, said Sean.
She was instrumental in the success of Rugby World Cup 1995, from an SAA perspective, leading the process from the background.
Fran’s career saw her move across to Mango Airlines in January 2007 where she continued in revenue management and served the airline up until her death.
Denise Kotze, ex-SAA, said Fran was an amazing friend and manager and the most straightforward and honest person. “We have lost an airline person who would be very hard to replace,” said Denise.
“A rare diamond and an icon in the travel trade,” said Ann Verster, ex-Mango, now at fastJet.
“Fran left her mark on the aviation industry and travel trade. She will be sorely missed,” said Ian Lotter of SAA.
Fran is survived by her husband, Ted.
