Ethiopian Airlines may give a new lease of life to SAA

September 08, 2020: Ethiopian Airlines is in rescue discussions regarding South African Airways (SAA), told group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam to Reuters.

The talks are in preliminary stages. 

Last month, South Africa’s government has initiated talks with private entities interested in buying into SAA, which needs at least R10 billion to resume operations. It has also remained in administrative protection since December 2019. 

Following the restrictions imposed by the government due to the coronavirus pandemic, SAA has not operated a single commercial passenger flight since March. 

Gebremariam said, “Some discussion is taking place between ET and the South African Public Enterprises Ministry.”

“But it is at a very initial level and part of a general overview of pan-African cooperation in the aviation world between ET and SAA.”

Last month, South Africa’s Government commenced negotiations with private entities that expressed interest in the carrier.

In May, the airline was in talks for the revival of Air Mauritius, which was put into administration in April.