ASL Confirms South African Shareholding Transaction

Dublin, 27thNovember 2017: Global aviation group, ASL Aviation Holdings, has confirmed its participation in the proposed transaction to unite two of South Africa’s leading independent airlines, Safair and Airlink. The two airlines will present documentation to the South African Competition Commission tomorrow, 28th November, seeking approval for the deal.

ASL’s relationship with Safair stretches back many years and the group supported the creation of the company’s very successful low-cost carrier, FlySafair, which launched in 2014. As part of ASL’s continued commitment to the aviation industry within South Africa, ASL will remain a minority shareholder within the merged Airlink group of companies.

Both the Airlink and Safair brands will continue to operate separately, with their respective fleets, products and management teams and there will be no job losses at either carrier.

Safair’s humanitarian operations for the United Nations and International Red Cross will also continue with its fleet of civilian Hercules and B737 Combi aircraft.

“This is a landmark day for the future prosperity of the South African aviation industry and the passengers it serves”, said ASL Aviation Holdings Chief Executive, Hugh Flynn. “It brings two financially stable airlines together in a partnership that will bring sustainable competition, service and innovation to the South African market, creating jobs and economic growth as it does so”.

“Our operations and route networks are entirely complementary, which means that there’s no overlap to erode economies of scale,” said Rodger Foster, CEO and MD of the Airlink Group of Companies. “The resulting reduction in our operating costs per seat because of these efficiencies will undoubtedly benefit the flying public and communities and business in the destinations we serve”.

Further information will be made available at an appropriate stage in the process.