Qatar Airways is taking a 25% shareholding in South African regional carrier Airlink, having previously teased that it was intending to invest in an airline in the region.
Airlink has confirmed the investment, but has not disclosed the financial terms involved.
Qatar Airways group chief Badr Mohammed Al-Meer had stated, during an economic forum in May, that the company was in the “final stage” of an airline equity investment in southern Africa – but had not revealed the carrier’s identity.
Al-Meer states that the Airlink investment 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,” he adds.
Airlink says the agreement will “enhance” a codeshare partnership between the carriers, and aim to align their frequent-flyer programmes.
The regional airline operates to more than 45 destinations across 15 countries in Africa. Qatar Airways operates to 29 destinations on the continent.
“This transaction will unlock growth by providing efficiencies of scale, increasing our capacity and expanding our marketing reach,” says Airlink chief Rodger Foster, adding that Qatar’s backing serves as a “powerful endorsement”.
Airlink operates a fleet of Embraer ERJ and E-Jet family aircraft.
