In a media statement issued on 11 June – South African Airways (SAA) notes ongoing public inquiries regarding Mango Airlines and wishes to provide clarity on its role in Mango Airlines’ business rescue process.
Mango Airlines (SOC) Limited remains a subsidiary of SAA that was placed in business rescue in August 2021. Mango’s business rescue process is totally separate from the business rescue process that South African Airways (SOC) Limited came out of in April 2021.
SAA has no authority or direct oversight over Mango’s financial obligations, current and future business plan.
According to the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Mr Sipho Sono, Mango Airlines is in the final stages of concluding a sale and purchase of shares transaction with its selected investor, with the aim of relaunching the airline. This stage of the business rescue process follows debates and litigation between Mr. Sono, the former Ministry of Public Enterprises, and the Board of SAA on the level of transparency required from a BRP on the identity and financial capabilities of the investors purchasing a business being disposed of.
As part of this BRP’s disposal process, Mango is verifying the value of unflown air tickets purchased by Mango passengers before 26 July 2021 for departure dates after 26 July 2021. Mango operations were suspended on 26 July 2021.
SAA emphasises that it is not involved in Mango Airlines’ claims, refunds, or any financial settlements related to its operations.
SAA remains focused on its own strategic objectives and operational commitments, separate from Mango Airlines. We appreciate the public’s understanding and urge affected individuals to follow Mango’s official channels for all inquiries related to its business rescue process.
