Airlink adds flights to plug SA Express suspension gap

07 Jun 2018 - by Kylie Granat

Airlink adds routes and flights to accommodate customers affected by SAX flight disruptions.

Airlink announced, on Wednesday June 6, the details of the flights that it has added to its network and schedule.

“Many SA Express (SAX) customers have experienced itinerary disruption, and Airlink has worked around the clock since May 24 to introduce flights to alleviate the inconvenience,” said Airlink in a statement.

Up to 46 additional daily flights have been introduced on various routes, including:

Johannesburg-Bloemfontein: Up to four return flights per day.
Johannesburg-Kimberley: Up to three return flights per day.
Johannesburg-Hoedspruit: Up to two return flights per day.
Johannesburg-Gaborone (Botswana): Up to three return flights daily.
Johannesburg-Richards Bay: Up to three return flights daily.
Johannesburg-Walvis Bay: One return flight daily.
Cape Town-Port Elizabeth: Up to three return flights daily.
Cape Town-Hoedspruit: One return flight daily.
Cape Town-East London: One return flight daily.
Durban-East London: Up to two return flights daily.

Airlink’s first objective in response to SA Express’ request for assistance on May 24 was to fill the gap as far as possible to minimise disruption to customers. The consequence was that airlift capacity was added at times that may not have suited the market.

“For the past week Airlink has been studying and understanding demand on all the new routes, with the objective of matching supply more closely with demand, and ensuring that flight times are better suited to requirements. The result is a schedule that has evolved over the past days and is now more aligned with need,” read Airlink’s statement.

There will be more fine-tuning over the coming days as Airlink’s knowledge improves. “With every adjustment to the schedule it is possible that some minor inconvenience may follow,” said Airlink.

Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection Chief Executive, Nic Griffin told Tourism Update that Airlink’s service on its Johannesburg-Hoedspruit route has been “quite extraordinary. The Airlink team has risen quickly and provided a seamless service of outstanding support to all our guests”, said Griffin, who went on to thank Airlink and Rodger Foster, CEO and MD of Airlink.