End of an era for FlySafair

South Africa’s antitrust regulator approved private equity firm Harith General Partners’ proposal to acquire budget carrier FlySafair.

The Competition Commission recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the transaction with conditions, according to a statement on its website. 

The acquisition will help FlySafair — which controls more than 60% of domestic seat capacity — address regulatory pressure to meet South African ownership rules.

The Domestic Air Services Council in 2024 said that the carrier was in breach because trusts and companies — not people — own 75% of the airline’s voting rights. The ruling followed a complaint by local rival Lift. 

Harith invests in infrastructure across Africa, and also owns a stake in Lanseria International Airport, northwest of Johannesburg. The regulator said Harith must not discriminate against other airlines using Lanseria as part of its decision to approve the transaction. 

The commission also recommended that the tribunal approve Coca-Cola HBC AG and Coca-Cola HBC Holdings BV’s purchase of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

Among the conditions for approval is a commitment to undertake a secondary listing of CCHBC in Johannesburg.