Qatar Airways Group has announced the acquisition of a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s leading independent regional carrier, Airlink. The investment is a strategic move in line with Qatar Airways’ ongoing ambition to expand its presence across the African continent, further strengthening its global network and commitment to Africa’s economic growth.
Airlink, which operates flights to over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will benefit from enhanced collaboration through an expanded code-sharing partnership with Qatar Airways. This investment is set to drive mutual growth by optimizing route connectivity, streamlining operations, and opening new market opportunities for both carriers.
Strengthening African Ties and Economic Growth
Commenting on the acquisition, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our investment in Airlink is a testament to how central Africa is to our long-term strategy. This partnership not only reflects our confidence in Airlink as a resilient, agile, and financially robust company but also signals our belief in the immense growth potential across Africa. We are excited to help unlock that potential.”
Airlink’s Chief Executive Officer, Rodger Foster, echoed these sentiments, expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership. “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a strong endorsement of Airlink’s business model and growth strategy. This transaction will accelerate our ability to scale, enhance operational efficiency, and broaden our market reach. Importantly, this investment will also bolster Airlink’s existing partnerships, enabling us to serve our customers better while strengthening Africa’s position in global aviation.”
Expanding Reach and Aligning Loyalty Programs
The partnership is expected to align the carriers’ loyalty programs, integrating Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and Airlink’s Skybucks, offering travelers greater flexibility and rewards. This alignment enhances the passenger experience and strengthens brand loyalty as both airlines look to offer seamless connectivity and a broader network.
Qatar Airways currently operates flights to 29 destinations across Africa, marking significant growth in recent years with new routes added since 2020. Cities like Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt have joined the Qatar Airways network, while services to Cairo and Alexandria have been resumed. The investment in Airlink further underscores Qatar Airways’ confidence in Africa as a key region for future growth.