SA airline now part-owned by Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has deepened its investment in Africa with the acquisition of a 25% stake in South Africa’s Airlink.

QATAR AIRWAYS’ EXPANSION ACROSS AFRICA

The deal, announced on 20 August enables Qatar Airways to grow its portfolio of airline investments and reinforces its commitment to enhancing connectivity within Africa.

This marks a significant step in the Doha-based airline’s strategic expansion across the African continent.

AFRICA’S AVIATION SECTOR

Africa has immense growth potential but remains historically underserved with regards to aviation.

Qatar Airways CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said that Africa is significant in the airline’s global strategy, noting that the continent represents 18% of the world’s population and remains underserved in terms of air connectivity.

“Africa is very important for us, and it is really underserved as a continent,” Al-Meer said, highlighting Qatar Airways’ aim of tapping into the region’s growing demand for air travel.

SA AIRLINE AIRLINK

Airlink has established itself as a key player in African aviation. Hence Qatar’s interest in acquiring the SA airline.

As a prominent regional airline in Africa, Airlink flies to more than 45 destinations across 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Airlink has a fleet of over 65 aircraft and an annual passenger count exceeding 3 million people.

The partnership with Qatar Airways is expected to further bolster Airlink’s operational capacity and network reach.

Furthermore, more traffic is expected to be channelled through Qatar Airways’ Doha hub.

INVESTING IN AFRICAN GROWTH

Airspace Africa says the investment by Qatar Airways signals a strong belief in the future of African aviation.

With demand for air travel expected to rise as African economies develop, Qatar Airways’ expanded presence on the continent positions it to capitalise on these emerging opportunities.

At the same time, it will contribute to improved air connectivity within the African continent.

QATAR AIRWAYS AND RWANDAIR

In addition to its stake in South Africa’s privately-owned Airlink, Qatar Airways is also close to finalising a long-planned investment in Rwanda’s state-owned airline.

Qatar will acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir. This move is designed to enhance Qatar Airways’ access to passengers from regional African cities.

This further strengthens the airline’s position in the continent’s aviation market.

RwandAir is one of the airlines on the African continent, that is being led by a woman.

A number of airlines in Africa are directed by women. Sustainability in the Sky reports that RwandAir, Uganda Airlines and Air Botswana are airlines with women at the helm.