Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in southern Africa’s independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of Qatar Airways’ ambition to further develop operations across the African continent. 

This deal comes as both airlines seek to expand African services and passenger numbers. 

The investment in Airlink, which flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries, is expected to enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. 

Qatar Airways holds the maximum foreign ownership share, with a 25% equity stake in Airlink, allowed by South African regulators for airlines.

The deal will bolster the African growth strategy for Qatar Airways, known as the World’s Best Airline, and cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success. 

The partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink seeks to align both carriers’ loyalty programmes, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks. 

On the announcement, Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’ 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, showing a huge potential that I am delighted we are able to help start realising”. 

Airlink chief executive Rodger Foster said: “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink, and echoes our faith in the markets we currently serve, and plan to add to our network. This transaction will unlock growth by providing efficiencies of scale, increasing our capacity and expanding our marketing reach. By bolstering Airlink and its business, this investment will strengthen all of the existing airline partnerships Airlink has nurtured over the years”. 

Airlink is currently owned by Foster’s family, South Africa’s Webb family as well as institutional investors Coronation Global and Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust. 

Qatar Airways currently flies to 29 destinations in Africa, and there has been strong growth in the market, with nine new destinations added to Qatar Airways’ network on the continent since December 2020.  Qatar Airways flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, and has reclaimed the title of ‘World’s Best Airline’ in 2024, and for an unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards.

Airlink was established in 1992, and is southern Africa’s premier privately-owned regional airline. 

With its fleet of over 65 modern jetliners, Airlink offers worldwide connections through its partners, which include Qatar Airways and its FlyNamibia franchise.