Qatar Airways Group has announced the acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in Southern Africa’s leading independent regional carrier, Airlink, further solidifying its presence on the African continent. This strategic investment underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to expanding its operations in Africa and supporting the region’s economic growth.

Airlink, which operates flights to over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will benefit from an enhanced code-sharing partnership with Qatar Airways. This collaboration is expected to increase operational efficiencies, expand marketing reach, and strengthen existing airline partnerships. The move aligns with Qatar Airways’ broader Africa growth strategy, which has seen the airline increase its footprint across the continent.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, highlighted the importance of this investment, stating, “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’s future. This partnership not only reflects our confidence in Airlink as a resilient and agile company but also our belief in Africa’s potential, which we are excited to help realize.”

Alaska Air is close to finalizing its USD 1 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, after the US Department of Justice opted not to contest the deal. Both airlines’ brands will be preserved, and the merger is expected to create a stronger competitor in the market. The deal is pending Department of Transportation approval.

Airlink’s Chief Executive, Rodger Foster, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and underscores our confidence in the markets we currently serve and plan to expand into. This transaction will unlock growth by increasing our capacity, expanding our network, and providing efficiencies of scale.”The partnership will also align the loyalty programs of both airlines—Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks—offering enhanced benefits to customers across their combined networks.

Qatar Airways has been steadily increasing its presence in Africa, currently flying to 29 destinations across the continent. Since December 2020, the airline has added new destinations such as Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt to its extensive network, while also resuming services to Cairo and Alexandria.

This investment marks a significant step forward in Qatar Airways’ ongoing efforts to position itself as a key player in the African aviation market, contributing to the region’s economic and business potential.

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