The fate of South African Airways (SAA) remains in the balance as the government decides whether to let the airline expire, a move that apparently remains unpalatable, or bring in an international partner. “There is inherent value in an existing airline which cannot be easily replicated in a new replacement carrier,” Nick Fadugba, CEO of African Aviation and the author of the study, wrote in the document, according to South African news daily Business Day. Qatar Airways has just entered into a partnership with SA Airlink, which is an interesting indication of its strategic plan to expand in Africa,” noted Steyn. “Ethiopian is an SAA competitor, but it seems likely that any strategic investor will have to have airline management expertise. "A key issue will be government’s involvement and shareholding and the ‘new’ SAA’s ability to have independent management without political interference."

Source: Ethiopian News October 26, 2020 15:56 UTC