By As part of its strategy to have a significant presence in the African continent market, Qatar Airways Group acquired a 25% stake in the South African based airline Airlink which comes with 45 destinations in Africa.
Qatar Airways Group announced the acquisition on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, as part of its ambition to continue to develop its operations in the African continent. The Group currently boasts 29 destinations in the African market; the acquisition of Airlink will increase its markets share as the regional airline flies to 45 destinations in 15 different African countries.
The investment will enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. The Group says the deal will bolster Qatar Airways’ Africa growth strategy and cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success.
“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,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
Rodger Foster the CEO of Airlink welcomed the deal saying it is a major boost to the airline and for Qatar to invest in Airlink is sign of confidence in their markets in Africa.
“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,” said Foster.
