South Africa plans to table a special appropriation bill to parliament in the next month to request a 10 billion rand ($762 million) bailout for the struggling state airline, treasury’s top official said on Wednesday.
South African Airways, which runs one of Africa’s biggest unprofitable fleets, is seeking a 13 billion rand bailout from government to pay off debts and keep its planes in the air.
The Airline also plan to fly 23 percent fewer flights by the end of the year as it retires five aircraft, a part of a revamp aimed at returning to profit.
South African Airways received state funds in July to help it repay debts and also depends on government debt guarantees of about 20 billion rand ($1.5 billion).
Acting chief executive Musa Zwane said the impact of the reduced flights would mostly be felt among domestic passengers although regional and international routes will also be affected.
The Treasury last month appointed Vodacom Group executive Vuyani Jarana as SAA chief executive. He is the first permanent leader at SAA for two years. It was not clear when Jarana will take up his new role.
South Africa’s cabinet is considering selling its stake in landline provider Telkom, where government holds a 39 percent stake, to help raise 10 billion rand to cover a large part of SAA’s total 13 billion rand bailout. Read more here.
