ARCH ENEMIES Virgin Air and British Airways could repeat their vicious battles at home over SA airspace if rumours of the two rivals buying into local airlines prove correct.
Virgin is aiming at Sun Air while BA is said to be punting for a stake in SAA, which is to be partly privatised towards the end of this year. Last week Public Enterprises minister Stella Sicgau said the privatisation of SAA would be speeded up.
As much as 49% of both airlines could be put up for sale, to give the new investor substantial management control. Virgin and BA have fought long and often dirty battles with each other, which have resulted in law suits and price cutting.
It is not likely the two will treat each other any more gently on foreign soil. If this should come about SA travellers and the freight industry can look forward at the very least to favourable prices and perhaps colourful exchanges between the two airline giants.
