Harith Moves to Acquire FlySafair in Deal Subject to Regulatory Approval
Harith Moves to Acquire FlySafair in Deal Subject to Regulatory Approval. Harith and its affiliates have entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire FlySafair, one of South Africa’s most established and rapidly expanding airlines. The proposed transaction, which remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Competition Commission, signals a potential shift in ownership for the domestic carrier while formal review processes continue.
Founded in 2006, Harith is marking its twentieth year as a long term investor in strategic infrastructure across Africa, managing more than US$3 billion in assets and focusing on energy, connectivity, transportation, and logistics. The firm has played a role in mobilising capital for infrastructure development projects across the continent.
According to information released in relation to the transaction, the proposed acquisition forms part of Harith’s strategy to strengthen an integrated transport ecosystem that supports connectivity across Africa. The investment is positioned as consistent with FlySafair’s existing direction and its focus on operational performance and sustainable expansion.
The agreement follows a shareholder exit process at FlySafair that has been under consideration for several years. Harith’s proposed investment reflects confidence in the airline’s operating model, management capability, and long term growth outlook as outlined in information accompanying the announcement.
As with transactions of this scale, completion remains subject to regulatory approvals. The parties continue to engage with relevant authorities, including the Competition Commission and applicable aviation regulators, as part of standard oversight procedures governing licensed airlines operating within South Africa’s aviation framework.
Harith has indicated that its approach is consistent with a long term, value focused investment model aimed at supporting established businesses. The intention is to maintain continuity under FlySafair’s existing leadership while providing capital that supports its ongoing operations and strategic direction.
By supplying patient capital, the investment is expected to support FlySafair’s current objectives related to affordability, reliability, and connectivity within its operating markets. Further details regarding the transaction will depend on the outcome of the regulatory review process now underway.
The proposed acquisition represents a significant development within South Africa’s aviation sector, where ownership structures and investment flows continue to evolve. Industry stakeholders will be watching the regulatory process closely as authorities assess the transaction’s implications under established competition and aviation frameworks. Until approvals are secured, the agreement remains conditional, with both parties continuing engagement with oversight bodies responsible for reviewing infrastructure related investments and ensuring compliance with national regulatory requirements and licensing provisions governing commercial airline operations in the country.
