Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s independent regional carrier, Airlink.

• This strategic investment marks a milestone in Qatar Airways’ plan to expand its operations across Africa.
• Airlink, known for its extensive network across the continent, operates flights to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries.
• The acquisition enhances the airlines existing code-sharing partnership and aligning their business strategies to tap into Africa’s burgeoning aviation market.
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The Qatar Airways investment allows both airlines to offer seamless travel experiences to passengers, connecting Qatar Airways’ global network with Airlink’s extensive reach within Africa. By integrating their networks, the two carriers look to provide more options and better connectivity for travellers, making it easier to fly between various destinations within Africa and the rest of the world.

For Qatar Airways, this move is a crucial part of its broader Africa growth strategy. The airline currently serves 29 destinations across the continent, and the partnership with Airlink will enable it to offer even more comprehensive coverage. Since December 2020, Qatar Airways has added new destinations such as Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt to its network, while also resuming services to Cairo and Alexandria. This expansion is a clear indicator of the airline’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in Africa.

The acquisition of a stake in Airlink by Qatar Airways is more than just an investment in a successful regional carrier; it is also a vote of confidence in the future of African aviation. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the importance of this partnership.

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.

// Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer

This sentiment is shared by Airlink’s Chief Executive, Rodger Foster, who sees Qatar Airways’ involvement as a powerful endorsement of his company’s business model and market presence.

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.

// Airlink’s Chief Executive, Rodger Foster

An additional aspect of the partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink is the alignment of their respective loyalty programs – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks. This integration will offer passengers the opportunity to earn and redeem miles across a broader network of flights, enhancing the value and appeal of both loyalty programs. This move is expected to attract more frequent flyers and business travellers, who will benefit from the increased flexibility and rewards offered by the two airlines.

Qatar Airways’ investment in Airlink is not just about expanding its network; it’s about playing a pivotal role in the economic development of Africa. By improving connectivity across the continent, the partnership will facilitate trade, tourism, and investment, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region. Enhanced air travel infrastructure is crucial for Africa’s development, and Qatar Airways is positioning itself as a key player in this transformative process.

Moreover, this partnership comes at a time when Africa is increasingly being recognized as a critical market for global airlines. With a young population, rapidly growing economies, and increasing demand for air travel, the continent offers enormous potential for growth. Qatar Airways’ strategic investment in Airlink positions it to capitalize on these opportunities.

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