South Africa to decide on airline rescue plan by year-end, minister says

South Africa's govt will decide by year-end on a plan to keep its flag carrier from collapsing and is considering the option of a strategic partner to help turn around the troubled airline, the country's transport minister said. South Africa is looking for sustainable solutions to rescue the airline and is studying the right model for taking on a partner, Blade Nzimande said. An investor or aviation partner has long been touted as the solution to South African Airways' financial crisis but no candidates have been yet officially revealed. The cash-strapped airline has been propped up by repeated govt bailouts to continue operations and has recorded 7 consecutive years of losses. It aims to return to profitability by 2021 through a turnaround plan that includes cutting jobs and routes. <br/>