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.jpg) A retired FlySafair Boeing 737-4Q8, with the registration ZS-JRK | |||||||
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| Founded | August 2013; 12 years ago (2013-08) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced operations | 16 October 2014; 11 years ago (2014-10-16)[1] | ||||||
| Hubs | |||||||
| Focus cities | |||||||
| Fleet size | 36(2026)[2] | ||||||
| Destinations | 15(2026)[2] | ||||||
| Parent company | Safair Operations (Pty) Ltd | ||||||
| Headquarters | Kempton Park,South Africa | ||||||
| Key people | Elmar Conradie (CEO) | ||||||
| Employees |  1,700(2025)[3] | ||||||
| Website | www | ||||||
FlySafair is an internationallow-cost airline based inJohannesburg,South Africa. It is a subsidiary ofSafair and flies to 15 destinations inSub-Saharan Africa, operating a fleet of 36 aircraft as of 2026.[2]
The company is regarded as South Africa's first true low-cost carrier, and has been credited with reducing prices on certain domestic routes, as well as having the best on-time performance of any major South African airline.[4]
The airline was established in August 2013 and was granted approval by the South African Air Service Licensing Council to launch operations with ten daily services between Johannesburg'sO. R. Tambo International Airport andCape Town International Airport.[5]
The airline had plans to begin operations in October 2013.[6] However, on 8 October 2013, theHigh Court of South Africa granted an interimcourt order preventing the airline from starting operations, following an application by rival carriers,[7] on the basis that it did not meet the legal requirement of 75% local ownership.
Substantial restructuring of ownership took place and FlySafair's inaugural flight eventually took place on 16 October 2014.[1]
In 2017, the airline announced a partnership with the South African Rugby Union (SARU), making it the official domestic carrier for theSpringboks andSA Rugby. The deal was extended for four years in February 2020.[8][9]
In September 2022, the airline went through a rebrand with redesigns to their logo and new livery.[10] The International Air Services Council of South Africa also approved 11 new international routes.[11][12]
On the 5th of November 2024, the airline announced that they had become the official domestic carrier of theProteas.[13]
In July 2025, more than 200 FlySafairpilots, representing almost two-thirds of the airline’scockpit crew, embarked onindustrial action through theSolidarity trade union after rejecting a wage offer. The pilots requested a basesalary increase of 10.5% for 2025/26, followed by annual increases ofCPI plus 4.5% and CPI plus 4% in subsequent years. They also raised concerns about changes torosters that they said negatively impactedleave allocation andwork-life balance.[14]
FlySafair countered with a 5.7% increase to base pay, along with performance-basedbonuses, which brought the overallcost-to-company increase to approximately 11.3%. The airline stated that this offer was both competitive and sustainable, given the broader economic environment.[15]
Thestrike began on 21 July 2025, resulting in thecancellation of about 12 to 13% of scheduled flights. This included 26 cancelled services on 21 July, and two more on 22 July, affecting operations out of the airline’s main bases. FlySafair notified affected passengers, offeredrefunds, and implementedcontingency plans to minimise disruption.[16][17]
The airline noted that its pilots were among the top earners in the industry, with captains earning between R1.8 million and R2.3 million per year. Average flying hours stood at 63 per month, which FlySafair emphasised remained within regulatory limits.[14]
Following the announcement of a one-day strike, FlySafair responded with a seven-daylockout of the affected pilots. Solidarity then extended the strike declaration to 14 days. Talks between the airline and union were mediated by theCommission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.[18][19]
FlySafair defended its wage offer as being in line with market conditions, arguing that it struck a fair balance between pilot expectations, affordability for passengers, and the long-term financial health of the organisation.[15]
In February 2026, it was reported that South African private equity firm Harith General Partners, based inSandton, had agreed to purchase FlySafair. The deal was still subject to approvals by regulators, including antitrust authorities and two licensing bodies. Harith Chairman Tshepo Mahloele said at the time that the deal would comprise around 15% of the equity firm's overall portfolio. Also at the time of the announcement, it was reported that FlySafair constituted over 60% of South African domestic airline seat capacity.[20]
FlySafair serves the following 15 destinations:[citation needed]
FlySafairinterlines with the following airlines:
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As of August 2025[update], FlySafair operates the following aircraft:[26]
| Aircraft | Active | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y | ||||
| Boeing 737-400 | 1 | 0 | 165 | Only one still operating, with the registration: ZS-OAF |
| Boeing 737-800 | 35 | 1 | 189 | |
| Total | 36 | 1 | ||
FlySafair offers food and drinks as abuy-on-board programme, partnering up with Tourvest. FlySafair also offers a monthly magazine on board namedIn Flight. It was also the first airline in South Africa to offer card payments aboard their flights.
On their international routes they offer a pre-packed meal at no charge, with other food and drink options for sale. For hygienic reasons, theIn Flight magazine is currently only in digital format.
In November 2024, the South African International Air Services Council investigation found thatASL Aviation Holdings, based in Ireland, owns 74.86% of FlySafair through an investment holding company. This is in contravention of local laws, which require a minimum of 75% local shareholding.[32]
In December 2024, South Africa's domestic authority(SACAA) ruled the same. Sanction has yet to be determined.[33]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
Media related toFlySafair at Wikimedia Commons
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