South African Airways in talks with British Airways to take over Comair franchise routes

The flag carrier of South Africa, South African Airways (SAA), is in talks with the UK airline British Airways (BA) over potentially replacing the now-defunct Comair in a franchise agreement.

Speaking to News24 on September 2, 2022, SAA chief executive John Lamola confirmed that the Johannesburg-based airline has shown its interest in operating domestic and regional flights to various destinations in South Africa, which used to be served by Comair under a franchise deal with BA.

Comair, which was established in 1946 as South African aviation and travel group, entered into a franchisee agreement with British Airways in 1996. The agreement entailed Comair servicing local and regional routes under the British Airways livery.