Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in South Africa’s leading independent regional carrier, Airlink. The investment aims to reinforce Qatar Airways’ strategic focus on expanding its footprint across the African continent, the airline said in a statement on its website.
Airlink, which operates flights to over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will benefit from an enhanced code-sharing partnership with Qatar Airways. This move is expected to bolster Qatar Airways’ growth strategy in Africa and solidify its role as a key player in the continent’s economic development.
“Our investment in Airlink underscores Africa’s central role in our future business strategy. This partnership reflects our confidence in Airlink’s resilience, agility, and financial stability, as well as in Africa’s immense growth potential,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said.
“Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and our market presence. This investment will drive growth through efficiencies of scale, expanded capacity, and enhanced marketing reach. It will also strengthen Airlink’s existing airline partnerships,” Airlink Chief Executive Officer, Rodger Foster noted.
The partnership will also integrate Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club with Airlink’s Skybucks loyalty program. Qatar Airways, which currently serves 29 destinations in Africa, has been expanding its network on the continent, with recent additions including Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt, as well as the resumption of services to Cairo and Alexandria since December 2020.
