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The president of American Airlines Group left the company Monday but immediately moved into the same role at United Continental, in one of the most unusual management shake-ups seen in the competitive US airline industry. The departure of Scott Kirby breaks up a management team at American that dates back more than 2 decades and orchestrated 2 mergers. But his move could give United the kind of broad industry experience some critics of the airline contend it is lacking. United is in the midst of strengthening its management bench under CE Oscar Munoz, a newcomer to the industry who is under growing pressure to address lagging financial and operational performance. Munoz, who is both CE and president, would cede the latter role to Kirby. United said Monday that Kirby’s appointment is effectively immediately. <br/>

South African Airways is seeking ZAR16b (US$1.1b) in long-term funding that the unprofitable carrier said will be used for working and capital expenditure and to help manage outstanding debt. The airline will need to access the funding 2 weeks after the signing of loan documentation, SAA said in a request for proposals from financial institutions. The company is seeking rand-denominated secured and unsecured funding with a 3 to 15-year tenure and has set a closing date of Sept 16 for proposals. It won’t consider commercial paper or bond issuance at this stage. The notice seeking funding “reinforces the urgent need for parliament to intervene and to have an emergency meeting with SAA,” Alf Lees, the deputy finance spokesman for the main opposition Democratic Alliance, said. <br/>