South Africa: Qatar Airways invested in South Africa’s Airlink. The group has acquired 25% stake in the primarily independent regional carrier.
Reportedly, the investment further cements the position of Qatar Airways as a key driver in realising the economic and business potential on the African continent. The Airways bought stake in SA Airlink as the Doha-based airline desires to expand its presence on the continent.
The announcement was made after the multi award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop the operations across the African continent.
As per the sources, the investment in South Africa Airlink, extends to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries, which will enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. The deal will bolster the growth strategy of Africa, as Qatar Airways cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qatar Airways Group – Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said that their investment in Airlink will further demonstrate how integral they see Africa being their business’ future.
The partnership between both the airways groups demonstrates the confidence in Airlink as a company that is resilient, agile, financially robust and is governed on sound principles in Africa as a whole. “The partnership shows huge potential that I am delighted as we are able to start realising this,” said the CEO.
CEO of Airlink – Rodger Foster said that having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and echoes the faith in the markets. “We currently serve and plan to add to the network,” said the CEO Airlink.
The transaction will unlock the growth by providing efficiencies of scale, increasing the capacity and expanding the marketing reach, by bolstering Airlink and its business. The investment will strengthen all of the existing airline partnerships Airlink, that has nurtured over the years.
The partnership between the Qatar Airways and Airlink seeks to align both carriers’ loyalty programs – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks.
Currently, Qatar Airways flies to 29 destinations in Africa, and there has been strong growth in the market with new destinations added to the Qatar Airways network on the continent since December 2020.
Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka and Port Harcourt are the African cities which are newly added to the extensive Qatar Airways network, while Cairo and Alexandria were resumed.