DOHA- Flag carrier Qatar Airways (QR) has acquired a 25% stake in South African regional carrier Airlink (4Z), solidifying its investment plans in southern Africa.
While Airlink confirmed the investment, the financial details remain undisclosed.
Qatar Airways Airlink Stake
Qatar Airways group chief Badr Mohammed Al-Meer had previously hinted at this investment during a May economic forum, without naming the airline. He emphasized that the Airlink investment underscores Africa’s significance to Qatar Airways’ future strategy.
Al-Meer highlighted that Airlink’s resilience, financial stability, and sound governance are key factors in the decision to acquire a 25% stake.
This partnership will strengthen the existing codeshare agreement between the two airlines and align their frequent-flyer programs.
Airlink, which serves over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will benefit from increased scale, capacity, and marketing reach, according to Airlink chief Rodger Foster.
He described Qatar’s support as a strong endorsement of the regional airline, which operates a fleet of Embraer ERJ and E-Jet family aircraft.
Airlink CEO, Rodger Foster, welcomed Qatar Airways as an equity partner, viewing it as a strong endorsement of Airlink’s markets and future expansion plans.
He noted that this investment will enhance growth through efficiencies of scale, increased capacity, and broader marketing reach, thereby strengthening Airlink’s existing airline partnerships.
More about Airlink
Airlink was established in 1992 by Rodger Foster and Barrie Webb following their acquisition of the defunct Link Airways, which had absorbed several regional airlines, including Midlands Aviation, Lowveld Aviation Services, Magnum Airways, Border Air, and Citi Air. The new entity was named Airlink.
Airlink made aviation history on October 14, 2017, by becoming the first commercial airline to land at Saint Helena Airport. The historic flight from Johannesburg, with a stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia, was operated by an Embraer E190 and marked the start of a weekly service between Johannesburg and Saint Helena.
In 2020, the airline rebranded from SA Airlink to Airlink to emphasize its independence after ending a 23-year franchise agreement with South African Airways. Since then, Airlink has operated under its own 4Z ticket stock and established interline agreements with six other carriers.
In March 2022, Airlink partnered with Federal Airlines to operate Lodgelink flights, connecting Kruger International and Skukuza to lodges in the Lowveld and Northern KwaZulu Natal.
Later that year, in September, Airlink acquired a 40% stake in FlyNamibia, with FlyNamibia adopting Airlink’s “4Z” flight designation. Airlink is also committed to providing technical and commercial training to FlyNamibia staff.
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