Qatar Airways has acquired a 25% stake in the independent regional carrier, Airlink.
According to Qatar Airways, the deal is a continuation of its ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent.
Airlink currently flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries, and the investment is expected to enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines.
Qatar Airways is currently flying to 29 destinations across the continent, and the deal is expected to strengthen its 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,” Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
Meanwhile, Airlink Chief Executive, Rodger Foster, welcomed the investment, and the confidence shown in the airline.
“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 the existing airline partnerships Airlink has nurtured over the years,” said an elated Foster.
