Qatar Airways has purchased a 25% stake in the privately owned South African airline Airlink, as announced on Tuesday, August 20. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Airlink operates flights to over 45 destinations across Southern and East Africa. This acquisition will strengthen an existing code-sharing agreement between the two airlines.
The CEO of Qatar Airways stated, “Our investment further demonstrates how crucial we see Africa to our business’s future.” With this partnership, cities such as Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Luanda, and Lusaka have been added to the extensive Qatar Airways network.
This strategic move aligns with Qatar Airways’ broader ambitions to expand its footprint in the African market, which is increasingly recognized as a key growth area in global aviation. By partnering with Airlink, Qatar Airways aims to enhance connectivity for travelers and provide seamless access to a wider range of destinations.
Airlink, known for its regional expertise, complements Qatar Airways’ extensive international network, allowing for more efficient travel options between Africa and the rest of the world. This collaboration is expected to benefit passengers by offering greater flexibility and more flight options.
As both airlines work together to enhance their services, the partnership is poised to create new opportunities for business and tourism in the region. The integration of Airlink into Qatar Airways’ network will facilitate easier connections and potentially boost economic growth in the areas they serve.
In summary, this investment marks a significant step for Qatar Airways in solidifying its presence in Africa, highlighting the continent’s importance to the airline’s future growth strategy.