Harith Aviation Consortium has received approval from the Competition Tribunal to proceed with its acquisition of a 100% stake in FlySafair, a South African low-cost airline. The consortium is the acquisition vehicle for the transaction and is led by Harith General Partners, a Johannesburg-based investment company focused on African infrastructure. Harith manages the investment on behalf of the consortium’s underlying investors.
FlySafair, which began operations in 2014, flies between 10 domestic destinations. It also operates five international routes connecting Johannesburg and Cape Town with neighbouring African countries.
FlySafair will continue to operate independently under its existing management team and retain its low-cost operating model and customer offering.
“This transaction represents far more than an investment in an airline,” said Sipho Makhubela, chief executive officer of Harith General Partners. “It is a demonstration of long-term South African capital backing a successful South African business. FlySafair has built an exceptional airline with a trusted brand, strong management team and market-leading customer proposition. Our role is to support that success with patient capital while enabling the next phase of growth.”
Following the Competition Tribunal approval, the parties are progressing the remaining regulatory approvals and conditions precedent required for implementation of the transaction. Subject to receipt of the outstanding approvals and satisfaction of the remaining conditions precedent, the transaction is currently expected to close in late 2026.
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