No job losses pledge as Airlink, Safair plan merger

INDEPENDENT aviation companies Airlink and Safair have inked a merger deal to pool their costs.

The companies said yesterday they would apply to South Africa’s Competition Commission for approval to unite under the common umbrella of the Airlink group of companies.

The airlines will retain their respective products‚ aircraft fleets‚ management and leadership teams.

“Employees will be secure with no job losses because of the consolidation‚” the companies pledged.

They said the proposal sees the Airlink and low-cost FlySafair airlines and Safair’s other businesses‚ including humanitarian aid flights‚ continuing to operate separately under their unique brands.

“Airlink’s acquisition of Safair‚ which is financially robust and profitable‚ makes good business sense,” Airlink chief executive and managing director Rodger Foster said.

“It presents opportunities to reduce our combined costs and position ourselves for growth, while at the same time increasing connectivity and choice making air travel accessible and affordable for our customers across Southern Africa.”

Elmar Conradie‚ who will remain as Safair chief executive, said: “Coming under a single umbrella will create economies of scale that will enable both airlines to share costs‚ optimise assets and remove systems duplications.”

The companies said more details would be provided when the Competition Commission has made its determination‚ which they anticipate will be during the first quarter of next year. Airlink was established in 1992 and is the leading regional airline in Southern Africa.

Safair Operations was established in 1965 and describes itself as a leader in the provision of specialised aviation services for the past 52 years.

In 2014, the company launched FlySafair‚ a low-cost carrier competing in the domestic market. – TimesLIVE