Harith and its affiliates have entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire FlySafair, the airline confirmed today, in a transaction subject to the required regulatory approvals.

Under the proposed deal, FlySafair will continue to operate under its existing brand, leadership and strategy. For customers, employees and partners, the airline said it will be business as usual, maintaining its focus on affordable fares, reliable operations and strong on-time performance.

The acquisition marks 20 years of Harith’s activity as a long-term investor mobilising capital for infrastructure developments across Africa. The firm said the proposed investment aligns with its strategy of building an integrated transport ecosystem across the continent and supports FlySafair’s existing trajectory of operational discipline and sustainable growth. By providing patient, long-term capital, Harith intends to back the airline’s current strategy, with an emphasis on affordability, reliability and connectivity.

The proposed transaction reflects confidence in FlySafair’s operating model, workforce and strategic focus, positioning the airline for long-term sustainability.

Emile du Toit, Chief Investment Officer at Harith General Partners, shared on social media: “Very proud to invest in the leading airline in South Africa! Their business model perfectly matches our infrastructure objectives of connecting people and businesses at the lowest possible cost and efficiency!”

A regulatory process relating to FlySafair’s structure, following findings issued by the Air Services Licensing Council in early 2025, remains ongoing. The airline said the proposed transaction was not initiated in response to those findings, which are subject to legal review. It noted that transactions of this scale are typically developed over an extended period and had been under discussion for some time. While the deal would result in FlySafair being owned by South African investors, it does not automatically resolve the matters under consideration by licensing authorities, which will assess the proposed structure in line with their statutory mandates. The parties said they respect the independence of those institutions and will continue to engage as required.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including review by the Competition Commission and relevant aviation authorities. Timelines for conclusion will depend on the outcome and duration of those processes.

Harith said its investment approach focuses on acquiring established businesses with proven operating models and supporting them over time. In the case of FlySafair, the firm cited the airline’s brand strength and disciplined operating formula, adding that it intends for the carrier to continue under its existing strategy and leadership while focusing on sustained performance and long-term value creation.