Qatar Airways Group has made a strategic move to bolster its presence in Africa by acquiring a 25% stake in Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading independent regional airline. This investment signifies the award-winning airline’s commitment to expanding its reach across the continent.
Airlink, operating flights to over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will benefit from this partnership, enhancing the code-sharing arrangement between the two airlines. This strategic investment serves as a catalyst for Qatar Airways’ growth ambitions in Africa, reinforcing its position as a crucial contributor to the continent’s economic development.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, emphasized the significance of Africa to their future plans, stating, “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’ future. This partnership not only demonstrates our confidence in Airlink, as a company that is resilient, agile, financially robust and governed on sound principles, but also in Africa as a whole, showing huge potential that I am delighted we are able to help start realising.”
Rodger Foster, Chief Executive of Airlink, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential for growth. He stated, “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.”
The collaboration extends beyond financial investment, aiming to integrate the loyalty programs of both airlines, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks. Qatar Airways currently serves 29 destinations across Africa, reflecting significant growth in the region, with several new locations added since December 2020. The addition of cities like Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt to the Qatar Airways network, alongside the resumption of services to Cairo and Alexandria, demonstrates the airline’s commitment to providing connectivity and promoting economic opportunities across the African continent.
