Regional airline that grew amid the crisis at South African Airways (SAA), Airlink has gained a major partner in Qatar Airways.

The Middle Eastern carrier has acquired a 25% stake in the privately owned South African company, a move that could see Airlink expand its presence in the region.

Founded in 1992, Airlink had a low-key presence until 2017, when it began adding Embraer E-Jets to its fleet.

Since then, 39 of these regional jets have arrived at the airline, making Airlink one of the largest operators in the world in the family.

Codeshare

Airlink currently flies to 45 destinations in 45 African countries with a fleet of 66 aircraft, all Embraer.

Qatar has revealed that among the benefits of the partnership will be the launch of a codeshare between the two airlines.

“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,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

Airlink Chief Executive Rodger Foster added that 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.”

Qatar Airways has 29 destinations in Africa, including Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka and Port Harcourt.

Foreign shareholding cap

Airlink is Qatar’s second major investment in Africa, following the airline’s announcement that it would acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir.

The South African regional airline is looking to acquire larger narrow-body aircraft to expand its routes, including its most popular domestic routes.

Despite Qatar’s support, the 25% stake in Airlink is the limit allowed by South African law, which prevents more significant investment for now.