Harith to acquire low-cost airline FlySafair

An investment deal that will see infrastructure investment firm Harith move to acquire low-cost airline FlySafair has been reached.

The proposed transaction, announced on Tuesday, is still subject to approval by the Competition Commission and aviation regulators. 

Harith, a Johannesburg-based infrastructure investor with more than $3 billion in assets under management, said the acquisition forms part of its broader push to strengthen transport and connectivity across Africa. 

The deal follows a shareholder exit process at FlySafair that has been under consideration for several years. 

Harith said the move signals confidence in the airline’s business model and its current management, adding that there are no immediate plans to change leadership or day-to-day operations. 

FlySafair said its focus remains on affordable and reliable air travel as regulatory processes continue. 

FlySafair chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon said: “We believe that this is a constructive step, and we will continue engaging transparently with the regulators whose approval of the new structure is a requirement to complete the transaction.” 

Harith believes the acquisition could help strengthen South Africa’s aviation sector at a time when demand for accessible air travel continues to rise.