South Africa seeks new strategic investor for South African Airways

The South African government has approved a new process to identify a strategic equity partner for South African Airways (SAA). This move follows the collapse of a previous deal in March 2024, which intended to sell a 51% stake in the airline to the Takatso Aviation consortium.

The previous negotiations ended due to disagreements regarding the airline's valuation. The current initiative aims to strengthen SAA’s balance sheet, improve access to capital and aviation expertise, and support fleet renewal and network expansion. By securing a private partner, the government intends to reduce its own financial exposure and transform the carrier into a “credible, investable and self-sustaining” national airline capable of competing in the African aviation market.