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

Qatar Airways has deepened its investment in Africa with the acquisition of a stake in South Africa’s Airlink. The airline has taken a 25% stake in the full-service South African carrier.

Qatar Airways African Expansion

This deal enables Qatar Airways to grow its portfolio of airline investments and reinforces its commitment to enhancing connectivity within Africa.

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

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.

Privately owned Airlink has established itself as a key player in African aviation. As a prominent regional airline operating in Africa, Airlink flies to more than 45 destinations across 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Investing in Africa

This investment by Qatar Airways is a sign of its belief in the future of African aviation.

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

Qatar will acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir. The move is designed to enhance Qatar Airways’ access to passengers from regional African cities, and thus further strengthen its position in African aviation.

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Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

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