Safaire Ltd

Safaire operates light aircraft rental agencies throughout South Africa and has a 31 December year-end and is governed by the maintenance requirements of the South Africa Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Safaire has developed a client list of its key clients and is actively seeking to expand and build upon these business relationships.

Safaire was sued by one of its clients after the client was involved in an accident on 1 August 2024 in an aircraft rented from the Safaire fleet. The client sustained multiple injuries. He claims that, upon landing, the brakes of the light aircraft failed, which caused the aircraft to crash into a tree when it finally stopped. The client has sued Safaire for damages, arising from negligence for renting out an aircraft that had not been properly serviced and maintained. The matter was discussed with the legal representatives of Safaire who believe that although the aircraft was not properly maintained (as evidenced by the aircraft’s maintenance records) it is unlikely that the company will be required to pay for the damages as the client’s pilot licence was a forgery. However, if Safaire must pay damages for negligence, the legal advisors estimate that it would cost no more than R3 500 000. The probability of this occurring is estimated to be only 15%. This estimate remained unchanged at 31 December 2024.

Source: Adapted from SAICA