Qatar Airways' strategic investment in Airlink marks a significant milestone in African aviation, presenting substantial benefits for South African travellers and the broader continental market.
So said Euan McNeil, MD of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, in response to news of Qatar’s acquisition of a 25% stake in the independent African airline.
“The entry of major global players like Qatar Airways into the African market brings tangible advantages to our customers. We anticipate this alliance will yield enhanced connectivity, potentially more competitive pricing structures and a more integrated travel experience that seamlessly connects our local routes with Qatar's comprehensive global network.”
McNeil noted that the implications of this partnership extend beyond mere route expansion. “It represents a strong vote of confidence in South Africa's aviation sector and the wider African market. This development aligns with an emerging trend of international carriers strategically investing in regional airlines – a move that promises to drive innovation and elevate service standards industry-wide.”
Qatar seeks to further develop ops in Africa
The announcement advances the multi-award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent, a statement said.
The investment in Airlink – which flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries – will enhance a codesharing partnership between the two airlines.
The deal will bolster Qatar Airways’ Africa growth strategy and cement its role as a key driver of the continent’s economic success.
Qatar Airways’ Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’s 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.”
“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 the existing airline partnerships Airlink has nurtured over the years.”
The partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink seeks to align both carriers’ loyalty programmes – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks.
Qatar Airways currently flies to 29 destinations in Africa, which has experienced strong growth in the market, since adding new destinations to its network on the continent from December 2020.
Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka and Port Harcourt are the most recent additions to the list of African cities in the extensive Qatar Airways network. The airline resumed flights to Cairo and Alexandria in recent years.
