South African Airways (SA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) has staggered salary payments for pilots, management, specialists, executives, and board members for the past two months, citing liquidity pressures caused by geopolitical disruptions and higher fuel costs.

SAA spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini said the measures, first introduced in September 2026 and repeated in October, do not affect non-management employees, including cabin crew and ground staff, who will continue to receive their salaries on the normal payday of the 27th of each month.

These employees account for more than 50% of the airline's workforce, Dlamini said.

The airline said it had continued to meet its obligations to employees despite mounting financial pressures and had fully engaged staff and organised labour on the measures.

SAA said the staggered payments were intended to manage its financial sustainability, maintain operations, and ensure it could continue meeting its obligations while supporting employee well-being.

This comes after SAA received a ZAR1 billion rand (USD60 million) government guarantee in August 2026 to support working capital requirements amid the impact of higher fuel prices, as announced by finance minister Enoch Godongwana during his October 21 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

The airline has stressed that the guarantee will allow it to raise capital and is not a direct cash injection.

The government has also been working with the transport department to identify a strategic equity partner for the airline, as it seeks to reduce the risk of further taxpayer support.