Update: In paragraph 3, the date of commencement of services has been updated from September 23 to September 4 in the case of Lilongwe and September 5 for Blantyre.
Malawi is about to get considerably more airlift, providing a welcome boost to its tourism industry.
Airlink, the privately owned South African domestic and regional carrier, is to launch new routes between South Africa and Malawi’s two main cities.
The airline will start operating flights between Johannesburg and Lilongwe from September 4, and Blantyre from September 5.
This will make Malawi the 16th country to be included in Airlink’s comprehensive route network. It will use its 37-seat Embraer Regional Jets on both new routes, which will operate three times a week.
“As the premier regional airline, Airlink sets out to provide travellers to and from Malawi with optimal connectivity through a wide choice of conveniently scheduled flights and connections within the region and, through our partners, to the rest of the world. In addition to supporting the revitalisation of tourism, Airlink’s new routes will also be able to play a key role in the current Malawi Growth and Development Strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and build a wealthy, self-reliant and industrialised middle-income country,” explained Airlink CEO and MD, Rodger Foster.
Tourist attractions in Malawi are diverse, many focusing on Lake Malawi (Africa’s third-largest lake) and the country’s wildlife, adventure activities and rich cultural heritage.
Lilongwe route
Flight 4Z460 departs Johannesburg at 11h00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Lilongwe at 13h20.
Return flight 4Z461 departs Lilongwe at 14h10 on the same days, arriving in Johannesburg at 16h25.
Blantyre route
Flight 4Z450 departs Johannesburg at 11h00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in Blantyre at 13h01.
Return flight 4Z451 departs Blantyre at 14h15 on the same days, and arrives in Johannesburg at 16h35.
Airlink’s fares include a 20kg free luggage allowance. On board, customers are treated to a complimentary light meal, refreshments, generous leg-room and a choice of aisle or window seat (the flights do not have middle seats).
