South Africa should act to preserve its insolvent national airline and seek to partner the carrier with Ethiopian Airlines Group, according to a study commissioned for ruling-party lawmakers. South African Airways (SAA) went into administration in December and now needs more than R10 billion to restart, according to a plan produced by the carrier’s business rescuers. “South Africa has the strongest aviation market on the African continent,” Fadugba wrote. He cited research that shows that five of the 10 most lucrative routes in Africa are in or from South Africa, three of the continent’s 10 busiest airports are in South Africa and six of the 10 busiest routes are in or from the country. Echoing GebreMariam’s comments, Fadugba wrote that the South African government should take over SAA’s debt and not encumber a new partner with them.

Source: Ethiopian News October 05, 2020 16:46 UTC