The process of revamping South Africa’s national carrier South African Airways is beginning to take shape with the announcement of a new strategic equity partner during an online media briefing held June 11 by the Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan. Gordhan named the Takatso Consortium as the preferred new majority shareholder for the struggling airline. Takatso — which means "aspire" in Setswana, is comprised of two entities. Harith General Partners – a leading investor in African infrastructure and airports…
The COVID-19 pandemic will be claiming another airline with South Africa's Mango Airlines, beset by financial woes, on the brink of collapse effective May 1, until such a time the airline receives funding from the government. The airline's CEO, William Ndlovu, informed his staff in an internal memo dated April…
The South African aviation market may see a new entrant as early as December with the news that a joint venture between the founder of low-cost carrier kulula.com and Global Aviation has a name. Business Insider South Africa reports that the airline will be called Lift after the moniker was…
Ethiopian Airlines Group has introduced a global COVID-19 medical insurance scheme dubbed "Sheba Comfort" aimed at providing "an extra security measure" to all of its international passengers while ensuring they travel with a peace of mind. Sheba Comfort will cover all international flights booked through Ethiopian tickets, covering medical expenses,…
On Tuesday, Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) announced that South African flag carrier South African Airways has suspended all operations and the airline put under "care and maintenance" until the ongoing discussions between the BRPs and the government lead to a deal with suitable funding for the airline. All existing cargo…
South African Airways Technical (SAAT) has withdrawn its maintenance services effective Sept. 27, due to outstanding payments owed by South African Airways budget carrier Mango Airlines. The entire fleet of Mango Airlines now remains grounded with Mango flights currently being operated by Johannesburg-based Global Aviation Operations, confirmed Operations Manager Sybrand…
Another day, another rumor that Africa's largest carrier Ethiopian is considering ways to potentially offer support to the insolvent South African Airways with sources familiar with the matter citing talks between Ethiopian Airlines Group eyeing stakes are already in place with the South African government. The long-rumored potential tie-up between…
South African Airways has sent its Airbus A330-200 and A350-900 to Teruel Airport in Spain for long term storage amid locked horns with staff and management over the furloughing process and calls to liquidate the airline. Teruel Airport is located in Spain outside the town of Teruel and hosts aircraft…
The South African government has agreed to finance the restructuring of South African Airways (SAA) as indicated in a copy of a draft plan shown on Monday. The draft plan involves a government agreement to spend R21 billion ($1.2 billion) to restructure SAA. According to the draft plan, a working…
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has already outlined a roadmap of a proposed temporary layered approach that will help to jump-start air travel around the world. The guidelines are geared at building confidence with the aviation stakeholders to enable reopening of borders and the safe return of passenger flights amid…
