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Mail & Guardian
comairlatest news & developments
FlySafair says the fact that national carrier SAA  is no longer subsidised by the government bodes well for competition in the industry. (Gallo Images/Jacques Stander)

FlySafair not threatened by SAA return, welcomes competition

The low-cost carrier has gained ground since taking to the skies in October 2014

In the most recent twist in the SAA saga, Gidon Novick resigned from Takatso’s board

Even with Lift, SAA won’t soar

The national carrier’s ability to monopolise the market has been seriously undermined by more threatening competitors, experts say

Grounded: A British Airways plane at OR Tambo International Airport. Comair could not be rescued and SAA is still building up its number of flights. Photos: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg/Getty Images/ Bloomberg

After Comair, how will the South African aviation industry fare?

Local ticket prices have risen by at least 35% to 40% as a result of Comair’s collapse

Limited seats: Flights by British Airways and Kulula, which account for 40% of South Africa’s domestic capacity, have been temporarily suspended.

Competition Commission: Zero tolerance for price gouging by airlines

After Comair suspended its flights, the Competition Commission has said it will look into any signs of price gouging

Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Airlines warned price gouging will not be tolerated

After Comair suspended its flights, the Competition Commission has said it will look into any signs of price gouging

Harith General Partners, one half of the consortium that will take over SAA, has come under scrutiny since the announcement of the national carrier’s new majority shareholder.

SAA: PIC allegations are Harith’s albatross

Sipho Makhubela assures that the private equity firm has what it takes to raise the capital to get SAA flying again

Welcome back: Ground crew wave flags as an Emirates flight from Dubai lands. It was one of the first international commercial flights to arrive in South Africa when borders reopened on 1 October after a more than six-month shutdown. Photo: Rodger Bosch/AFP

Covid-19 causes Acsa to dust off its begging bowl

The SOE has asked the government for R3.5-billion in extra support over the next three years to offset losses incurred because of the pandemic

(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Comair strike by Numsa-affiliated ground staff averted, for now

Numsa, in a statement, said the two sides would continue talks in early January over wages and shift patterns

(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

SAA flights’ failure to take off may down state airline

A related problem is that its maintenance and repair company could lose lucrative contracts

Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe is expected to give evidence before the Zondo commission. (Mujahid Safodien/AFP)

Court rules in favour of Comair in SAA anticompetition case

The airline says SAA was involved in a scheme designed to keep travel agents loyal to the national carrier, to the detriment of its competitors.

Editorial: Public pays for state failure on constitutional values and good governance

SAA abusing its dominant market position and two ministers fighting over the same portfolio cost the public billions of public funds.

Kirsten King

Headwinds slow Comair down

Competition and economic stagnation coupled with the new visa requirements have put profits on ice for the airline.

The high court in Pretoria has grounded new start-up low cost airline FlySafair before it has even taken off, following an application by two rival airlines. (AFP)

FlySafair grounded before first flight

A judge has granted an interim interdict to prevent a new, low-cost airline from operating, following an application by Comair and Skywise.

Land reform

Editorial: The tiller wobbles

When Malusi Gigaba became minister of public enterprises, he told anyone who would listen he intended to keep a firm shareholder hand on the tiller.

Comair wants input on SAA bailouts

Comair has launched a court application to compel government to consult with the aviation industry before awarding bailouts to SAA.

1Time’s liquidation has grounded partner Fresh Air

Fresh Air goes sour with 1time demise

The liquidation of 1time has come as a shock to the executives of Fresh Air, which has had to ground budget flights linking Joburg and the Vic Falls.

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Comair sues SAA for unfair practice

Comair is going for the jugular of South African Airways in a court case seeking compensation of up to R124-million.

Taxed to the sky

Durban’s La Mercy Airport is at the heart of a disputed 133% increase in airport taxes, reports Lloyd Gedye.

Govt decides against selling Durban airport to Comair

The government has decided against selling Durban International Airport to Comair, media reports said on Wednesday.

SAA to face Competition Tribunal again

SAA will have to face the Competition Tribunal again next week. The application by Comair against SAA will be heard from March 2 to 20.