JOHANNESBURG, Feb 10 – South African private equity firm Harith General Partners is in advanced negotiations to acquire budget airline FlySafair, marking a significant expansion of its transport investments across Africa.
Harith, which manages about $3 billion in assets, plans to purchase the carrier through its aviation platform, Harith Aviation, according to Chairman Tshepo Mahloele. FlySafair is currently South Africa’s largest airline by passenger numbers.
Mahloele said the transaction is progressing well but remains subject to regulatory clearance, including approval from competition authorities and two aviation licensing bodies. If approved, the deal is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of the year.
The acquisition would add a major aviation asset to Harith’s portfolio, which already spans transport, logistics, and infrastructure investments across multiple African markets.
It also underscores growing private equity interest in Africa’s aviation sector as air travel demand gradually recovers and low-cost carriers consolidate their positions in key markets.
Once finalised, the FlySafair deal would represent one of the most prominent private equity-backed investments in Southern Africa’s airline industry in recent years.
