South African regional carrier Airlink has named its finance head, de Villiers Engelbrecht, as the successor to long-term chief executive Rodger Foster who is stepping down next year.
Foster has led the company for more than three decades since he co-founded the operation with Barrie Webb in 1992.
But Airlink says Foster will relinquish his position at the end of March 2025.
He will remain a shareholder in the carrier and continue to serve as a non-executive director.
“It has been a privilege to have led Airlink through what has been an exciting, at times very challenging, but ultimately a rewarding and fulfilling journey,” he states.
Airlink emerged as South Africa underwent significant political change, with the repeal of discriminatory laws, election reform, and the lifting of sanctions – as well as deregulation of the country’s domestic airline sector.
Engelbrecht has been connected with Airlink for more than 20 years. Foster credits him with having helped to “steady” and “repurpose” the carrier, both when it separated from its South African Airways franchise pact and when it faced operational pressure from the pandemic.
“He has had hands-on exposure to all of the key elements that constitute the airline business,” adds Foster.
Airlink, which operates a fleet of over 65 Embraer aircraft, recently secured investment from Qatar Airways Group, which disclosed it was acquiring a 25% share of the company.
