Summary: ASL Aviation Holdings has agreed to sell its interest in FlySafair to Harith General Partners. The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, comes as FlySafair expands its fleet and maintains a leading domestic market share.

ASL Aviation Holdings has reached an agreement to transfer its stake in FlySafair to Harith General Partners and affiliated parties, a transaction that remains contingent on customary regulatory clearances, including approval from the South African Competition Commission. The announcement comes as the Johannesburg-headquartered carrier continues fleet and network expansion.

Deal overview: ASL exits as Harith steps in

Dublin-based ASL Aviation Holdings confirmed the sale of its interest in FlySafair to South African investor Harith General Partners and related affiliates. Financial terms were not made public. The purchaser, Harith General Partners, is a Pan-African infrastructure investor managing over USD$3 billion in assets and founded in 2006, with investments across transport, energy, connectivity and logistics sectors.

  • Seller: ASL Aviation Holdings (Dublin-headquartered)
  • Buyer: Harith General Partners and affiliates
  • Approval: Subject to customary regulatory approvals, including South African Competition Commission
  • Financial terms: Not disclosed

FlySafair's growth and market position

Launched in 2014 with three aircraft as South Africa’s first true low-cost carrier, FlySafair has become the domestic market leader. The airline now operates a fleet of 39 Boeing 737 aircraft, accounts for 67% of domestic seat capacity and has carried more than 54 million passengers. The carrier has also driven fares down by up to 32% on certain routes while adding international services to its schedule.

  • Fleet: 39 Boeing 737 aircraft
  • Market share: 67% of South African domestic seat capacity
  • Passengers carried: Over 54 million to date
  • Fare reductions: Up to 32% on selected routes
  • Recent developments: Announced first two B737-MAX aircraft at Dubai Air Show; Cirium named FlySafair best in Africa & Middle East for on-time performance (fifth time)

Dave Andrew, Group Chief Executive of ASL Aviation Holdings and founding CEO of FlySafair, reflected on the sale and the airline’s evolution.

ASL Aviation Holdings is proud to have supported the growth of a fledgling airline to become a leader in African aviation, opening air travel to millions of South Africans for the first time. With new international routes now added to its network, the time has come to pass the baton to Harith who are ideally placed to oversee the airline’s continued development and growth.

Harith’s strategic rationale

Harith General Partners described FlySafair as the type of African infrastructure business it aims to back: resilient, well-run and delivering daily economic value. Harith’s investment focus spans transportation and logistics, positioning the firm to support FlySafair’s next expansion phase across Southern Africa.

FlySafair represents exactly the kind of African success story we seek to back: a well-run, resilient business delivering real economic value every day. Aviation is core infrastructure, and FlySafair has demonstrated how affordable, reliable air travel can unlock growth, jobs, and opportunity across Southern Africa. Our ambitions in this sector remain unchanged. We are excited to support the next phase of this journey and to support a company that South Africans can be genuinely proud of.

FlySafair Boeing aircraft at a South African airport apron, reflecting domestic aviation growth
FlySafair’s expanding fleet and domestic network have underpinned its market-leading position in South Africa

What will remain unchanged

If the transaction receives the necessary regulatory clearances, FlySafair is expected to continue operating under its existing brand, management and commercial strategy, with a continuing emphasis on operational performance, customer value and measured growth.

Regulatory process and next steps

The sale must clear standard regulatory hurdles before completion. Parties cited the South African Competition Commission among the authorities likely to review the deal. No timetable was provided for approvals or closing.

  • Transaction subject to regulatory approvals, including the South African Competition Commission
  • No financial terms disclosed
  • FlySafair to retain brand and leadership post-completion, pending approvals
  • Harith’s infrastructure focus expected to support fleet and network growth

Why this matters: For travelers, a well-funded and focused owner could mean continued fare competitiveness, new routes and further fleet upgrades that improve capacity and reliability. For the aviation industry, the deal underscores increased investor interest in African aviation infrastructure and the role of domestic low-cost carriers in expanding connectivity and economic opportunity across the region.