![[South Africa] SAA continues staggering salary payments amid liquidity challenges](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/iStock-1184882847_1200x.jpg?v=1793041963)
South African Airways (SAA) is delaying salary payments for the second month running as its liquidity challenges continue, Traders Union reports
Rising fuel costs and broader cash flow strain are increasing pressure on the airline.
The wage delays reportedly come as the state-owned carrier continues to operate without a permanent chief executive and seeks to raise working capital using a R1 billion government guarantee granted in August 2026.
SAA first staggered salaries in September and is repeating the measure in October as higher fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions further strain cash flow.
According to Mphilo Dlamini - SAA executive for group corporate affairs - the airline continues to meet its obligations to staff despite the pressure.
Mr Dlamini stated that salary payments are being staggered as part of measures intended to manage the airline's sustainability while allowing it to keep operating.
SAA's latest annual report shows that the carrier employs 3,422 staff, including 2,321 permanent workers and 645 contractors, with the remainder based at regional and international stations. A trade union source stated that payday ordinarily falls on the 25th of each month, meaning payments scheduled from October 27 to October 31 represent a second consecutive delay.
In its Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, South Africa's National Treasury said that SAA received a R1 billion guarantee in August 2026 to support working capital needs. Mr Dlamini says the airline intends to use that guarantee to raise new capital for business requirements during the current geopolitical challenges and aviation fuel price increases.
Source: Traders Union
South African Airways (SAA) is delaying salary payments for the second month running as its liquidity challenges continue, Traders Union reports
Rising fuel costs and broader cash flow strain are increasing pressure on the airline.
The wage delays reportedly come as the state-owned carrier continues to operate without a permanent chief executive and seeks to raise working capital using a R1 billion government guarantee granted in August 2026.
SAA first staggered salaries in September and is repeating the measure in October as higher fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions further strain cash flow.
According to Mphilo Dlamini - SAA executive for group corporate affairs - the airline continues to meet its obligations to staff despite the pressure.
Mr Dlamini stated that salary payments are being staggered as part of measures intended to manage the airline's sustainability while allowing it to keep operating.
SAA's latest annual report shows that the carrier employs 3,422 staff, including 2,321 permanent workers and 645 contractors, with the remainder based at regional and international stations. A trade union source stated that payday ordinarily falls on the 25th of each month, meaning payments scheduled from October 27 to October 31 represent a second consecutive delay.
In its Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, South Africa's National Treasury said that SAA received a R1 billion guarantee in August 2026 to support working capital needs. Mr Dlamini says the airline intends to use that guarantee to raise new capital for business requirements during the current geopolitical challenges and aviation fuel price increases.
Source: Traders Union
