
South African Airways considers selling Heathrow slots to stabilize its finances
South African Airways (SAA) is considering selling valuable landing rights at international airports such as London Heathrow to overcome financial difficulties. These considerations were revealed during a briefing to Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on October 22. The possible sale follows the failed equity deal with the Takatso consortium, which was to have offered SAA a capital injection of R3 billion (about €157 million). Transport Minister Barbara Creecy stressed that while SAA has been able to pay off debt, it still needs new investments to secure operational needs and growth. SAA Chairman Derek Hanekom outlined the operational adjustments required following the failed Takatso deal and reported that SAA is currently looking for a small loan to top up cash reserves. The airline has unencumbered assets worth R5 billion (€262 million) that could serve as collateral for a loan. While SAA leases some slots to Qatar Airways, it remains unclear whether it plans to resume its flights to Heathrow. Aviation economist Joachim Vermooten raised the possibility of considering other airports as well. Despite the challenges, SAA management remains optimistic and plans to increase the fleet from 16 to 21 aircraft.