Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Airlink.
The announcement indicates Qatar Airways’ continuing intention to develop its operations and interests across the African continent.
It also ends months of speculation over which carrier was under discussion when the Qatari government announced a coming acquisition in Southern Africa in May this year.
The investment in Airlink – which flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries – will enhance a codesharing partnership between the two airlines. The deal will be a boost to Qatar Airways’ Africa growth strategy and its role in driving the continent’s economic success.
Qatar Airways’ Group CEO, Engr. 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 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.”
The partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink seeks to align both carriers’ loyalty programmes – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks.
Qatar Airways is 100% owned by the Qatari government. The airline has demonstrated an appetite for establishing its network in Africa and it currently flies to 31 destinations across the continent.
Qatar Airways is also finalising its 49% stake in RwandAir after five years of negotiations. This strategic move will significantly bolster the airline’s presence in the heart of Africa and will enable Qatar Airways to expand its operations in East and Central Africa.
The Qatari carrier has channelled US$1,3 billion (R23,7 billion) into the construction of Rwanda’s new Bugesera International Airport as part of a plan to develop it into a regional aviation hub.Â