{"id":68696,"date":"2024-08-20T21:15:03","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T15:45:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=68696"},"modified":"2024-09-02T20:51:37","modified_gmt":"2024-09-02T15:21:37","slug":"qatar-airways-buys-25-stake-in-south-africa-airlink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/20\/qatar-airways-buys-25-stake-in-south-africa-airlink\/","title":{"rendered":"Qatar Airways Buys 25% Stake in South Africa-based Airlink"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>DOHA-<\/strong> Flag carrier <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?s=Qatar+Airways\">Qatar Airways (QR)<\/a> has acquired a 25% stake in South African regional carrier Airlink (4Z), solidifying its investment plans in southern Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Airlink confirmed the investment, the financial details remain undisclosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Flag carrier Qatar Airways (QR) has acquired a 25% stake in South African regional carrier Airlink (4Z), solidifying its investment plans in southern Africa.\" class=\"wp-image-66124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-50x33.webp 50w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-450x300.webp 450w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274-1200x800.webp 1200w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Airbus_A330-302_Qatar_Airways_A7-AEF_8748912274.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: By Curimedia &#8211; Airbus A330-302 Qatar Airways A7-AEF, CC BY 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=26169258<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-qatar-airways-airlink-stake\">Qatar Airways Airlink Stake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Qatar Airways group chief Badr Mohammed Al-Meer had previously hinted at this investment during a May economic forum, without naming the airline. He emphasized that the Airlink investment underscores Africa&#8217;s significance to Qatar Airways&#8217; future strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Al-Meer highlighted that Airlink&#8217;s resilience, financial stability, and sound governance are key factors in the decision to acquire a 25% stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This partnership will strengthen the existing codeshare agreement between the two airlines and align their frequent-flyer programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Airlink, which serves over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will benefit from increased scale, capacity, and marketing reach, according to Airlink chief Rodger Foster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He described Qatar&#8217;s support as a strong endorsement of the regional airline, which operates a fleet of <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?s=Embraer\">Embraer <\/a>ERJ and E-Jet family aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Airlink CEO, Rodger Foster, welcomed Qatar Airways as an equity partner, viewing it as a strong endorsement of Airlink&#8217;s markets and future expansion plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He noted that this investment will enhance growth through efficiencies of scale, increased capacity, and broader marketing reach, thereby strengthening Airlink&#8217;s existing airline partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Flag carrier Qatar Airways (QR) has acquired a 25% stake in South African regional carrier Airlink (4Z), solidifying its investment plans in southern Africa.\" class=\"wp-image-68699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-50x33.webp 50w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-450x300.webp 450w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320-1200x800.webp 1200w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZS-OTM_Embraer_Emb.135_South_African_Airlink_7682698320.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: By aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=32562867<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-about-airlink\">More about Airlink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Airlink was established in 1992 by Rodger Foster and Barrie Webb following their acquisition of the defunct Link Airways, which had absorbed several regional airlines, including Midlands Aviation, Lowveld Aviation Services, Magnum Airways, Border Air, and Citi Air. The new entity was named Airlink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-68706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-50x33.webp 50w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-1600x1067.webp 1600w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-2048x1365.webp 2048w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-450x300.webp 450w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/549454-QR_4Z-2-b47d2a-original-1724157801-1200x800.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Qatar Airways<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Airlink made aviation history on October 14, 2017, by becoming the first commercial airline to land at Saint Helena Airport. The historic flight from Johannesburg, with a stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia, was operated by an Embraer E190 and marked the start of a weekly service between Johannesburg and Saint Helena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2020, the airline rebranded from SA Airlink to Airlink to emphasize its independence after ending a 23-year franchise agreement with South African Airways. Since then, Airlink has operated under its own 4Z ticket stock and established interline agreements with six other carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In March 2022, Airlink partnered with Federal Airlines to operate Lodgelink flights, connecting Kruger International and Skukuza to lodges in the Lowveld and Northern KwaZulu Natal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later that year, in September, Airlink acquired a 40% stake in FlyNamibia, with FlyNamibia adopting Airlink&#8217;s &#8220;4Z&#8221; flight designation. Airlink is also committed to providing technical and commercial training to FlyNamibia staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are your thoughts on Qatar Airways&#8217; decision to acquire Airlink Stake? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/s\/aviationa2z\" rel=\"nofollow\">Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMPLdrgsw_-jGAw?hl=en-IN&amp;gl=IN&amp;ceid=IN%3Aen\">Google News<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-aviation-a-2-z wp-block-embed-aviation-a-2-z\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"NHSDEZCJmJ\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/09\/02\/qatar-airways-eyes-stake-in-virgin-australia\/\">Qatar Airways Target Virgin Australia After Buying 25% Stake in Airlink<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Qatar Airways Target Virgin Australia After Buying 25% Stake in Airlink&#8221; &#8212; Aviation A2Z\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/09\/02\/qatar-airways-eyes-stake-in-virgin-australia\/embed\/#?secret=DxdX329Z1r#?secret=NHSDEZCJmJ\" data-secret=\"NHSDEZCJmJ\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flag carrier Qatar Airways (QR) has acquired a 25% stake in South African regional carrier Airlink (4Z), solidifying its investment plans in southern Africa.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68704,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7215,7218,6761],"tags":[6285,5982,5157,1117,25060],"class_list":{"0":"post-68696","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-airline-news","8":"category-international-aviation-news","9":"category-news","10":"tag-airlink","11":"tag-ceo-of-qatar-airways","12":"tag-qatar-airway","13":"tag-qatar-airways","14":"tag-qatar-airways-airlink-stake"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68696"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68696\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69343,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68696\/revisions\/69343"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68696"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}