FlySafair keeps its wings but has 12 months to meet compliance requirements

FlySafair to continue operations

FlySafair recently confirmed that it will continue operating flights without any disruption following a recent “non-compliant” ruling by the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC).

According to Travel News, it was also revealed that the ASLC has now given the airline 12 months to comply, with monthly progress reports requested as well.

This comes after the South African International Air Services Council (IASC) received formal complaints from both Airlink and LIFT Airline back in February 2022, and found that FlySafair’s shareholding structure contravened South African law, which places a limit on foreign ownership of domestic airlines at 25%.

FlySafair was therefore found in violation of this law, as it is primarily controlled by Ireland-based ASL Aviation Holdings, which directly holds a 25% stake and indirectly owns 49,86% (via the Safair Investment Trust). This then brings ASL’s total ownership to 74,86%, largely exceeding the legal foreign ownership limit.

Flights to proceed as normal

According to FlySafair, the compliance matter is merely a regulatory discussion around shareholding rather than an operational concern and flights will continue as normal.

“At this stage, we are pleased that there is no threat to operations and that we can turn our full attention to our customers,” Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair said as per Travel News.

“Customers can continue booking and flying with confidence, knowing that FlySafair remains fully operational while we address this matter.” he added.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure compliance in these 12 months,” Gordon concluded.