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| Founded | August 2013 | ||||||
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| Commenced operations | 16 October 2014 [1] | ||||||
| Operating bases | |||||||
| Fleet size | 37 | ||||||
| Destinations | 14 | ||||||
| Parent company | Safair Operations (Pty) Ltd | ||||||
| Headquarters | Kempton Park, South Africa | ||||||
| Key people | Elmar Conradie (CEO) | ||||||
| Profit |  R500 million | ||||||
| Employees | 1,300 (June 2022) [2] [ failed verification ] | ||||||
| Website | www | ||||||
FlySafair is an international low-cost airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is a subsidiary of Safair and flies to 14 destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The airline was established in August 2013 and was granted approval by the South African Air Service Licensing Council to launch operations with ten daily services between Johannesburg's O. R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. [3]
The airline had plans to begin operations in October 2013. [4] However, on 8 October 2013, the High Court of South Africa granted an interim court order preventing the airline from starting operations, following an application by rival carriers, [5] on the basis that it did not meet the legal requirement of 75% local ownership.
Substantial restructuring of ownership took place and FlySafair's inaugural flight eventually took place on 16 October 2014. [1]
In 2017, the airline announced a partnership with the South African Rugby Union (SARU), making it the official domestic carrier for the Springboks and SA Rugby. The deal was extended for four years in February 2020. [6] [7]
In September 2022, the airline went through a rebrand with redesigns to their logo and new livery. [8] The International Air Services Council of South Africa also approved 11 new international routes. [9] [10]
In July 2025, more than 200 FlySafair pilots, representing almost two-thirds of the airline’s cockpit crew, embarked on industrial action through the Solidarity trade union after rejecting a wage offer. The pilots requested a base salary increase of 10.5% for 2025/26, followed by annual increases of CPI plus 4.5% and CPI plus 4% in subsequent years. They also raised concerns about changes to rosters that they said negatively impacted leave allocation and work-life balance. [11]
FlySafair countered with a 5.7% increase to base pay, along with performance-based bonuses, which brought the overall cost-to-company increase to approximately 11.3%. The airline stated that this offer was both competitive and sustainable, given the broader economic environment. [12]
The strike began on 21 July 2025, resulting in the cancellation of about 12 to 13% of scheduled flights. This included 26 cancelled services on 21 July, and two more on 22 July, affecting operations out of the airline’s main bases. FlySafair notified affected passengers, offered refunds, and implemented contingency plans to minimise disruption. [13] [14]
The airline noted that its pilots were among the top earners in the industry, with captains earning between R1.8 million and R2.3 million per year. Average flying hours stood at 63 per month, which FlySafair emphasised remained within regulatory limits. [11]
Following the announcement of a one-day strike, FlySafair responded with a seven-day lockout of the affected pilots. Solidarity then extended the strike declaration to 14 days. Talks between the airline and union were mediated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. [15] [16]
FlySafair defended its wage offer as being in line with market conditions, arguing that it struck a fair balance between pilot expectations, affordability for passengers, and the long-term financial health of the organisation. [12]
FlySafair serves the following 14 destinations: [ citation needed ]
FlySafair interlines with the following airlines:
As of August 2025 [update] , FlySafair operates the following aircraft: [22]
| Aircraft | Active | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y | ||||
| Boeing 737-400 | 6 | — | 165 | — |
| Boeing 737-800 | 31 | 1 | 189 | 1 pending delivery |
| Total | 37 | 1 | ||
FlySafair offers food and drinks as a buy-on-board programme, partnering up with Tourvest. FlySafair also offers a monthly magazine on board named In Flight. It was also the first airline in South Africa to offer card payments aboard their flights.
On their international routes they offer a pre-packed meal at no charge, with other food and drink options for sale. For hygienic reasons, the In Flight magazine is currently only in digital format.
In November 2024, the South African International Air Services Council investigation found that ASL Aviation Holdings, based in Ireland, owns 74.86% of FlySafair through an investment holding company. This is in contravention of local laws, which require a minimum of 75% local shareholding. [28]
In December 2024, South Africa's domestic authority ruled the same. Sanction has yet to be determined. [29]
Media related to FlySafair at Wikimedia Commons
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