According to the DPE, these phases include: 

The restructuring of the airline – including the implementation of Voluntary Severance Packages to employees; 

The appointment of non-executive directors and new management team; 

The selection and appointment of Transaction Advisors

The formation of a customer-centric airline designed to be lean, technology capable, digitally modernised and agile to service all market segments. 

Following voluntary severance packages from SAA, only 1000 employees will remain to start the new airline.

DPE spokesperson, Sam Mkokeli says the employees will be placed on a Social Plan - “a temporary training lay-off scheme so that they can be absorbed into the new airline as and when new positions become available.”

A “smaller, effective, reinforced and empowered Board of Directors” will also soon be appointed.

“They will then appoint the airline’s new executive management including, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Operating Officer,” adds Mkokeli.

The DPE says it has identified a Transaction Advisor whose mandate is to assist the department in transaction planning, feasibility analysis, procurement and implementation of transactions, and raising funds and investments for the new airline. 

Mkokeli has assured South Africans that the new airline will be run in a professional and sustainable manner to “support key economic sectors, including tourism and solidify South Africa as an African gateway to international markets.”

Jacaranda FM