Qatar Airways has recently expanded its footprint in the African aviation market by acquiring a 25% stake in South African regional airline Airlink. This strategic move is part of Qatar Airways’ broader objective to enhance its presence across the African continent.
The investment in Airlink, which operates flights across 15 African nations, is set to enhance the existing code-sharing agreement between the two carriers, facilitating more seamless travel options for passengers.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed the significance of this acquisition, stating that it reinforces the airline’s commitment to Africa’s economic prosperity and is indicative of the continent’s central role in Qatar Airways’ future business plans.
Al-Meer praised Airlink for its resilience, financial strength, and sound governance, expressing excitement at the opportunity to contribute to Africa’s vast potential.
Echoing Al-Meer’s sentiments, Airlink Chief Executive Rodger Foster welcomed the investment by Qatar Airways as a strong vote of confidence in Airlink’s business model and prospects. Foster anticipates that the partnership will catalyze growth by enhancing operational efficiencies, increasing capacity, and broadening market reach, ultimately benefiting the airline’s existing partnerships.
Additionally, the collaboration is set to align the loyalty programs of both airlines, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks, offering greater rewards and benefits to frequent flyers. Qatar Airways has been actively expanding its network in Africa, with 29 destinations currently served and nine new routes, including Abuja, Accra, Harare, and Kinshasa, added since December 2020.
The aviation landscape in South Africa is witnessing significant growth, with several international airlines extending their services. German airline Lufthansa is set to introduce a direct flight from Johannesburg to Munich in September, along with seasonal flights connecting Cape Town and Munich starting in November. This will complement Lufthansa’s existing direct flight to Frankfurt and its sister airline Swiss’s direct flights to Zurich.
Norse Atlantic Airways, a low-cost Norwegian carrier, announced the launch of a new route between London Gatwick Airport and Cape Town International Airport, set to commence in October. CEO Bjorn Tore Larsen highlighted the airline’s intent to offer competitive pricing and more travel choices by challenging the existing market dominance of Virgin Atlantic and British Airways on this route.
South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier, resumed flights to Perth, Australia, in April and plans to increase its fleet by 50% to 21 aircraft by March of the following year. Despite setbacks with its private equity deal involving the Takatso Consortium, SAA’s interim CEO John Lamola confirmed the airline’s financial readiness to support this expansion. SAA is also looking to introduce new routes to Frankfurt, Munich, London, and cities on the US east coast, with considerations for these routes slated for the fiscal year ending in March 2028.
