South African Airways (SAA) was placed under a state-approved turnaround plan in December as a last-ditch resort to save the company from total collapse. All its flights have been grounded since South Africa closed its borders and went into a five-week nationwide lockdown in March to curb the spread of COVID-19. "The new national carrier will be well positioned to take to the skies again and contribute to the South African and African economy." Like most South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs), it has failed to make a profit for more than a decade and survives on government bailouts. To date South Africa has recorded at least 5,647 coronavirus cases -- the highest in Africa -- including 103 deaths.

Source: Ethiopian News May 01, 2020 18:22 UTC