SAA Clarifies Role in Ongoing Mango Airlines Business Rescue Process
South African Airways (SAA) has issued a statement to clarify its role in the business rescue process of its subsidiary, Mango Airlines, following increasing public inquiries regarding the low-cost carrier’s future.
In the statement, SAA emphasized that although Mango Airlines (SOC) Limited remains a subsidiary, it operates under an independent business rescue process, initiated in August 2021. This process is entirely separate from SAA’s own business rescue, which the national airline exited in April 2021.
“SAA has no authority or direct oversight over Mango’s financial obligations or its current and future business plans,” the statement read.
The Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Mr. Sipho Sono, is reportedly in the final stages of concluding a sale and purchase of shares agreement with a selected investor, with the ultimate aim of relaunching Mango.
This development follows extended legal and procedural debates between the BRP, the former Ministry of Public Enterprises, and the SAA Board, mainly concerning transparency over the identity and financial viability of the prospective investor.
As part of the business rescue proceedings, Mango is currently verifying the value of unflown air tickets purchased before 26 July 2021, the date on which its operations were suspended.
SAA has distanced itself from any involvement in Mango’s financial claims or refund processes, reiterating that all such matters fall under the purview of the BRP.
“SAA remains focused on its own strategic objectives and operational commitments,” the airline stated, urging members of the public to direct all Mango-related queries to the airline’s official channels.
