South African Airways, once one of the leading carriers in the world, has undergone significant transformation over the last ten years. After the turn of the last decade, the airline began recording massive losses, reducing its fleet, and suspending multiple routes.
Halting operations during the pandemic
The dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic did not make things any easier for the already struggling national carrier. The months leading up to the pandemic were already turbulent for SAA as it entered business rescue in December 2019. Less than a month later, there were multiple local reports of the airline ceasing operations, but it immediately reassured the public that it would continue flying.
However, in March 2020, the airline halted all international, regional, and domestic services due to global lockdown restrictions. While most of its aircraft were out of service, it operated a few repatriation flights and cargo services that year. It expected to resume domestic operations within a few months, but that was not successful.