Qatar Airways acquires 25% stake in Airlink to boost African operations

In a significant move to bolster its African network, Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading independent regional carrier. This investment, announced marks a strategic step for Qatar Airways in enhancing its operations and growth across the African continent.

Strengthening African connectivity
The partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink will notably enhance their existing code-sharing agreement. Airlink, which services over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, will now benefit from Qatar Airways’ extensive global reach. This investment aligns with Qatar Airways’ ambitious Africa growth strategy, reinforcing its role in advancing the continent’s economic development.

A strategic alliance
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, emphasized the importance of Africa in the airline’s future business plans. “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,” Al-Meer stated.

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.”

Enhanced customer benefits
The partnership will also integrate Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and Airlink’s Skybucks loyalty programs, providing added benefits and seamless travel experiences for customers. This move reflects Qatar Airways’ commitment to offering superior service and value to its passengers.

Qatar Airways’ expanding network
Qatar Airways continues to expand its footprint in Africa, currently serving 29 destinations across the continent. Recent additions to its network include cities such as Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt. The airline also resumed services to Cairo and Alexandria, further strengthening its connectivity in Africa.

Awards and recognition
Qatar Airways, a multiple award-winning airline, was named the World’s Best Airline in 2024 for an unprecedented eighth time by Skytrax. The airline also received accolades for World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and Best Airline in the Middle East. Additionally, it was honoured with the World’s Best Airline Website award by the World Travel Tech Awards.

Qatar Airways operates over 170 destinations globally from its hub at Hamad International Airport, which has been recognized as the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airport also won accolades for Best Airport in the Middle East and World’s Best Airport Shopping.

Qatar Airways