South African Airways (SAA) employees are facing a second consecutive month of delayed salary payments, with October wages reportedly set to be paid in staggered instalments over several days.
The state-owned airline has attributed the delays to a challenging and volatile aviation environment, with geopolitical developments contributing to rising operating costs, particularly fuel expenses.
According to reports, staff members have been informed that salary payments will be staggered according to employee categories.
Ground staff and cabin crew are expected to receive their salaries on Tuesday, followed by pilots on Wednesday. Management and specialists are reportedly scheduled to be paid on Friday, while executives are expected to receive their salaries the following day.
SAA spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini told TimesLIVE that management had engaged with employees and explained the measures being implemented.
Dlamini said the steps were aimed at ensuring the airline’s long-term sustainability and its ability to continue operating.
The latest delay follows a similar situation last month, when employees reportedly received their salaries only earlier this month.
The recurring payment delays raise further concerns about the airline’s financial pressures as it navigates rising operational costs and uncertainty in the global aviation sector.