Ethiopian Airlines may submit SAA management proposal this week

Ethiopian Airlines Group is in early-stage discussions over plans to help manage South African Airways and expects to submit a proposal to the bankrupt carrier this week.

“First we would like to send our proposal and then we will start more detailed discussion, if they accept,” Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Tewolde GebreMariam said on Monday in an emailed response to questions about a possible management contract. He didn’t provide detail of the terms of the submission.

South Africa’s government approved a 10.5 billion rand ($686 million) bailout last month to revive the national carrier and has called for partners to assist the recovery.

Ethiopian, Africa’s biggest airline, is the only group that has publicly expressed interest in working with SAA, saying it’s willing to provide planes, pilots and maintenance services to its beleaguered rival.