Qatar Airways Acquires 25% Stake in South Africa’s Airlink

Qatar Airways will take a 25% stake in South Africa-based regional carrier Airlink as both airlines seek to boost services and passenger numbers across Africa, they said.

Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer, speaking alongside Airlink's CEO Rodger Foster in Doha, told reporters the investment would boost Qatar Airways’ access to passengers in regional cities in Africa.

Foster said it would allow privately-owned Airlink to expand in Africa and eventually to operate larger aircraft on one or two routes. It would not expand beyond Africa, he said.

Airlink currently flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries.

The executives did not disclose the value of the investment, officially agreed, and Qatar's Al Meer said it would require regulatory approval.

"Today, I am proud to announce that Qatar Airways has acquired a 25% stake in Airlink. As a financially robust airline that is renowned for its resilience, agility and extensive connectivity across southern Africa, Airlink represents a strategic partner that shares our commitment to unlocking Africa's vast business and tourism potential," said Qatar Airways CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer.

State-owned Qatar Airways holds stakes in British Airways- owner International Airlines Group, Latam Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, and China Southern Airlines.

It has also been in talks to acquire a minority stake in Rwanda's RwandAir and in 2019 agreed with Rwanda's government to take a majority stake in a new international airport in Rwanda.

Airlink already has a code share agreement with Qatar Airways, which allows the airlines to sell tickets on flights operated by each other.

The African carrier has a similar agreement with Dubai's state-owned Emirates, a competitor of Qatar Airways.