SkyWise (Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) Co-Chairmen, Tabassum Qadir and Javid Malik, claim six firms have expressed an interest in acquiring 'a sizeable stake' in the defunct South African budget carrier.

In a statement, the firm said that of the six investors, four are foreign while two are South African. However, the extent to which the foreign firms will be able to participate in the airline's turnaround is in doubt given that South Africa caps foreign investment in local carriers at 25%.

“We are open to let go more than 50% of our share but only to the local investors," they said. "The current expressions of interest from the local investors are being analysed. Our dream is to see SkyWise airline in the air conquering African skies and winning back the hearts of consumers.”

Earlier this month, Comair (South Africa) (CAW, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) announced it was negotiating an acquisition with an undisclosed firm.

SkyWise, which specialized in Johannesburg O.R. Tambo-Cape Town International shuttle flights, suspended operations in December last year amid mounting debts owed to among others, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).