Cargo operations remain unaffected by rising fuel costs and liquidity pressures that have delayed salary payments at South African Airways (SAA), according to the airline.
No routes have been discontinued and scheduled services continue to operate to 17 destinations, SAA Executive: Corporate Affairs Mphilo Dlamini told Freight News.
“Most of our cargo is carried in the belly holds of our scheduled passenger flights,” Dlamini said.
The airline does not currently operate dedicated freighter aircraft. Cargo capacity is provided through its scheduled passenger services. The liquidity pressures have not directly affected cargo operations, he said.
The comments follow an October 23 statement acknowledging rising operating costs, particularly aviation fuel, amid geopolitical tensions and international disruptions.
Salary payments were delayed in September and October because of liquidity pressures arising from these disruptions and increased fuel costs, according to SAA.
Cost management initiatives are being intensified with closer monitoring of cash flow and liquidity, expenditure controls and additional revenue measures, the airline said.
Financial assumptions and business plans are also under review to safeguard its long-term sustainability, SAA added.
