South Africa's Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) announced that South African Airways (SAA) operated a "test relaunch" of cargo services with A-340 on February 26.

In a brief statement, it said the airline operated to Brussels to transport goods from South Africa and return with coronavirus vaccines and other cargo.

"There will be many such flights by SAA in the months to come", which will include the transport of vaccines to other African countries," DPE said.

"Over time cargo will become a profitable business. Partnerships with the private sector will be considered at the appropriate time. These flights will become commercially viable".