Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Airlink, Southern Africa’s independent regional carrier. This strategic investment aligns with Qatar Airways’ ongoing ambition to expand its operations across the African continent.
Airlink operates flights to over 45 destinations across 15 African countries. The investment will enhance the existing code-sharing partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink, reinforcing Qatar Airways’ growth strategy in Africa and solidifying its role as a key contributor to the continent’s economic success.
Commenting on the acquisition, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, stated: “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’ future. This partnership not only reflects our confidence in Airlink as a resilient, agile, and financially robust company governed by sound principles, but also in Africa’s vast potential, which we are delighted to help realise.”
The partnership aims to align both carriers’ loyalty programmes, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks.
Qatar Airways currently operates flights to 29 destinations in Africa and has experienced strong growth on the continent, with several new destinations added since December 2020. Cities such as Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt have been newly incorporated into the Qatar Airways network, while services to Cairo and Alexandria have also resumed.
