Doha – Qatar Airways announced a 25% equity investment in South Africa’s Airlink on Tuesday, marking a significant expansion of both airlines’ footprint in the African market. The partnership aims to boost passenger numbers and enhance connectivity across the continent.
Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer expressed optimism about the deal, highlighting its potential to increase the airline’s access to regional markets. Airlink CEO Rodger Foster emphasized that the investment would fuel the carrier’s growth, potentially allowing it to operate larger aircraft on select routes.
While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the investment is subject to regulatory approval. Qatar Airways will acquire the maximum foreign ownership permitted under South African aviation laws.
The partnership will see Qatar Airways gain two seats on Airlink’s board and a quarter of shareholder voting rights. This investment adds to Qatar Airways’ growing portfolio of airline stakes, which includes British Airways-owner IAG, Latam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and China Southern Airlines. The state-owned carrier is also pursuing investments in RwandAir and a new airport in Rwanda.
Airlink, with its extensive network of over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, overlaps with some of RwandAir’s routes. Foster hinted at potential collaborations between the two airlines, including code-sharing agreements.
