Qatar Airways fresh equity to help Airlink 'shift to high gear, grow faster', says Foster

Qatar Airways fresh equity in Airlink, which is a privately-owned, premium, full-service regional airline based in South Africa, will enable it to “shift to a high gear and grow faster”, noted Chief Executive Rodger Foster.

Speaking to Gulf Times on Tuesday, Foster said: “We have over 60 modern aircraft and fly over 4mn passengers in a year to more than 50 destinations in 15 Southern and East Africa as well as to Madagascar and St Helena Island.

“This investment by Qatar Airways echoes Airlink’s faith in these markets and which we plan to add to our network in future. Crucially, Qatar Airways investments are set to bolster Airlink’s growth trajectory. The fresh equity will enable us to shift to a high gear, enabling the airline to grow faster, to unlock opportunities that enhance our competitiveness across all areas of our business.”

Asked whether Airlink planned to look beyond the continent in view of Qatar Airways’ investment in the airline, Foster said, “We don’t intend to expand beyond Africa.”

Foster said, “Today marks a major milestone for Airlink with Qatar Airways committing to acquiring 25% equity stake in our airline business. Qatar Airways is a highly respected airline. It is widely celebrated for its achievements...it has created a formidable network and continually raises the bar with its service and product offerings. All of which have contributed to its revered brand status.

He noted: “Qatar Airways has also been a strong commercial partner to Airlink over the years. And we are looking forward to deepening this relationship. Qatar Airways investment in Airlink is a vote of confidence in Airlink, our business model and our delivery of premium quality services and convenient connectivity to our customers and partner customers.

Foster added: “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and echoes our faith in the markets we currently serve and plan to add to our network.

“This transaction will unlock growth by providing efficiencies of scale, increasing our capacity and expanding our marketing reach. By bolstering Airlink and its business, this investment will strengthen all of the existing airline partnerships Airlink has nurtured over the years.”

Airlink was established in 1992 and is Southern Africa’s premier privately-owned regional airline. With its fleet of over 65 modern jetliners, Airlink serves these cities and other destinations throughout Southern Africa as well as Madagascar and St Helena Island.

A member of the International Air Transport Association and accredited under IATA’s safety audit programme, Airlink offers worldwide connections through its partners, which include Qatar Airways amongst many trusted and well-known inter-continental brands, and its FlyNamibia franchise.

In addition, Airlink has launched its innovative ‘Skybucks’ frequent flyer rewards programme.