Johannesburg, South Africa — South African billionaire Tshepo Mahloele’s Harith Aviation is poised to acquire FlySafair, the nation’s largest domestic airline, in a deal valued at $3 billion.
The Competition Commission has recommended approval for the acquisition, pending final nod from the Competition Tribunal.
The proposed acquisition, which is expected to be completed by July 2026, is a strategic move for Mahloele, whose Harith General Partners manages over $3 billion in assets across Africa. Harith’s existing investments in transport infrastructure, including Lanseria International Airport and Traxtion, Africa’s largest private rail operator, position the FlySafair acquisition as a pivotal step towards an integrated transport network across the continent.
The Competition Commission’s recommendation is subject to conditions aimed at preserving competition, particularly in light of Harith’s significant stake in Lanseria International Airport. To address concerns about potential favoritism, Harith has agreed to maintain strict information barriers and ensure fair airport access for all airlines. FlySafair’s acquisition is a testament to the airline’s growth and market dominance following the collapse of key competitors.
The airline now commands a significant share of the domestic passenger market and serves regional destinations across southern Africa.
The deal, if finalized, is set to be one of the most significant private investments in South Africa’s aviation sector in recent years, further solidifying Mahloele’s position as a key infrastructure investor on the continent. It also represents a vote of confidence in FlySafair’s operating model and long-term growth prospects.
As the acquisition process unfolds, the specific conditions recommended by the Competition Commission and their impact on the competitive landscape of the South African aviation industry remain topics of interest.
The potential long — term effects on FlySafair’s employees and customers are also yet to be fully understood. Further details are anticipated in the coming weeks.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Solomon Ekanem
