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…
South African Airways (SAA) is hoping to resume flights in July or August, but the restart date will depend on how the Covid-19 pandemic progresses and whether the airline can resolve a pilot dispute, its chief executive said on Friday. The state-owned airline was put into administration in December 2019…
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…
Johannesburg-based Airlink and Dubai-based Emirates have formed a new interline agreement that will connect passengers from the United Arab Emirates' capital to over 45 destinations in South Africa and neighboring countries. The new agreement comes after Airlink, a South African regional airline, cut its partnership with South African Airways in…
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South African Airways Technical (SAAT) has withdrawn its maintenance services effective Sept. 27, due to outstanding payments owed by South African Airways budget carrier Mango Airlines.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 had yet another business rescue plan approved by creditors. The new plan requires at least 10 billion rands funding ($596 million) of government funding to sustain the airline. This was approved during a creditors meeting held on Tuesday, July 14 by 86% of voters, as reported…
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…
