FlySafair secures sponsorship agreement with the Proteas
FlySafair, the budget airline, has unveiled a new sponsorship agreement with South Africa’s national cricket team, the Proteas.
FlySafair, South Africa’s top low-cost airline, has revealed a new sponsorship partnership with the national cricket team, the Proteas.
This exciting partnership indeed marks FlySafair’s continued commitment to supporting South African sports.
The deal signed on 5th November is, however, not FlySafair’s first commitment to the country’s sporting teams.
FLYSAFAIR PROTEAS SPONSORSHIP DEAL
The new Proteas sponsorship deal will in fact be for a three-year period.
Furthermore, this deal extends the endorsement to both the men’s and women’s teams as they strive to return to the pinnacle of world cricket.
With the recent appointment of a new leadership team, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is committed to supporting the Proteas as they endeavour to soar to glory on the global stage.
“As a proudly South African airline, we have always believed in backing initiatives that reflect the spirit and resilience of our nation. Our partnership with the Proteas is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a testament to our belief in the future of Cricket South Africa and our commitment to uplifting South African sport.” Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair said.
FLYSAFAIR SPRINGBOKS SPONSORSHIP DEAL
The airline already has an agreement in place with South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks.
In March 2017, the Springboks became a part of the Safair community when FlySafair became their trusted domestic carrier.
The partnership drew on the synergy of the two organisations – with FlySafair’s mission being to unite people through sport.
FlySafair has twice had the honour of flying the Springboks across South Africa for their victory tours.
This was in 2019, following the Springbok victory in Japan, and then again in 2023 after the team beat the All Blacks in France.
The Springboks thus became the first ever national rugby team to become 4-time world champions.
FLYSAFAIR SHAREHOLDING ISSUE
The airline, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, is currently facing headwinds surrounding its shareholding structure.
The International Air Services Council (IASC) has in fact ruled that FlySafair’s shareholding structure is not compliant with South African law.
Aviation expert Guy Leitch expects the IASC to issue a final notice to FlySafair to rectify its shareholding rather than shut down the airline.
SOUTH AFRICAN OWNED REQUIREMENT
Airlines operating in South Africa’s domestic landscape must be substantially owned by South African citizens.
Daily Investor reports that ASL Aviation, which owns a portion of FlySafair’s shares, directly and through subsidiaries, has been deemed a foreign entity by the IASC as it is an Irish company.
The inquiry into FlySafair’s shareholding structure began in October 2022. This resulted from formal complaints by Airlink and Global Aviation, which operates LIFT.