While the ASLC has issued sanctions regarding a technical interpretation of nationality provisions, it has given the carrier 12 months to comply and will require monthly progress reports.
This follows the ASLC’s finding that FlySafair did not meet the Air Services Licensing Act requirement that 75% of an airline’s voting rights be held by natural persons who are citizens and residents of South Africa.
According to FlySafair, the issue remains a regulatory discussion around shareholding rather than an operational concern and flights will proceed as scheduled.
“At this stage, we are pleased that there is no threat to operations and that we can turn our full attention to our customers,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “Customers can continue booking and flying with confidence, knowing that FlySafair remains fully operational while we address this matter.”
The airline has said that it is currently evaluating all options based on the ruling, which could include shareholder changes or challenging the ruling through legal channels.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure compliance in these 12 months” concluded Gordon.
