Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Airlink, South Africa’s first independent regional airline. This announcement complements the award-winning national carrier of the State of Qatar’s expansion plans to strengthen its operations across the African continent.
The investment in Airlink, which operates flights to over 45 destinations in 15 African countries, further strengthens the codeshare partnership between the two carriers.
South and East Africa
In addition, this investment will allow Qatar Airways to reach passengers travelling to and from regional cities in Southern and Eastern Africa who fly on Airlink flights. In light of this, Qatar Airways, the world’s best airline, will strengthen its strategy for growth and expansion in Africa, emphasizing its effective role as a vital element in the success of the African economy.
“Our investment in Airlink demonstrates the importance of the African continent to the future of Qatar Airways’ business,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer.
“This transaction supports our growth and expansion plans by increasing our scale and expanding our reach. By supporting Airlink’s business, this investment will help strengthen the existing partnerships that Airlink has had with other airlines over many years,” said Airlink Chief Executive Officer, Rodger Foster.
29 destinations
It is worth noting that Qatar Airways currently operates flights to 29 African destinations. The travel market in the African continent has witnessed strong growth, as the Qatari carrier has added nine new destinations in Africa to its growing network since December 2020.