Mango Airlines Faces Uncertain Future After Its Operating Licenses Are Revoked in South Africa

Mango Airlines, once a prominent name in South Africa’s low-cost carrier scene, is facing an uncertain future.

After years of financial difficulties and operational suspensions, the airline’s operating licenses were officially revoked at the end of 2024, leaving its future in jeopardy.

The cancellation of services has raised questions among passengers and industry experts alike: Will Mango Airlines ever take to the skies again?

The Final Cancellation of Services

Mango’s difficulties came to a head when, on November 15, 2024, the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) made the decision to cancel the airline’s Air Service Licenses.

This decision followed a suspension that had been in place since 2022 due to Mango’s non-compliance with regulations and its failure to operate uninterrupted air services for over a year.

This move marks a significant setback for the airline, which had already been struggling to regain its footing after a period of suspended operations.

The Prospects of a Potential Buyer

In the midst of these challenges, there is still hope for Mango’s future, as a potential buyer, Ubuntu Air Services, is currently in talks about acquiring the airline.

However, for this to happen, Ubuntu Air Services is exploring a partnership with an existing airline that already holds the necessary licenses and an Air Operator Certificate.

This partnership is seen as a possible way to revive Mango’s operations, but the situation remains fluid, with no guarantees of success.

Legal Steps and a New Business Model

Despite the ASLC’s decision, Mango’s business rescue practitioner, Sipho Sono, has indicated that there may be grounds to challenge the cancellation.

Mango’s legal team is currently exploring options for appealing the ruling, which could provide a lifeline for the airline.

Meanwhile, negotiations with the prospective buyer are ongoing, with plans to create a revised business model.

This model could potentially involve a strategic partnership with an airline that already holds the necessary certifications to operate.

If these discussions are successful, Mango may have a chance at returning to the skies.

The Risk of Full Closure

However, there is still a significant risk that Mango Airlines could be forced to shut down completely if the negotiations do not pan out.

If the airline is closed, passengers with unused Mango tickets are likely to face refunds that may only cover a small portion of the ticket’s original value, putting them in the same category as other creditors.

As negotiations and legal processes unfold, the fate of Mango Airlines hangs in the balance, and whether it can overcome these hurdles remains to be seen.

The Future of Mango Airlines

Ultimately, Mango’s future will depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations with potential buyers and the legal steps being taken in response to the ASLC’s ruling.

The airline’s ability to recover and return to the South African aviation industry will be determined by these factors.

As of now, it’s unclear whether Mango will once again become a key player in the market, or if this will mark the end of the road for the airline.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn