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    Airlink (South Africa)

    Southern Africa’s leading full-service regional airline with an extensive premium network and industry-best reliability.

    Departures:20,000
    Airlink South Africa logo featuring a stylized blue bird in flight representing speed and connectivity
    An Airlink aircraft with a vibrant South Africa hero livery is captured in flight against a cloudy sky The jet appears to be

    Company Overview

    Airlink is a privately-owned, premium regional airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It serves over 45 destinations across Southern Africa with a strong reputation for punctuality and reliability. The airline connects under-served towns and major hubs, positioning itself as a key player in the regional market.

    Leadership & Employees

    Airlink (South Africa) employs approximately 1,800 people globally.

    Key Leadership:

    • CEO: Rodger Foster

    Employee Statistics:

    • Total Employees: ~1,800 globally
    • Pilots: ~350
    • Flight Attendants: ~400

    Equipment & Technology

    Airlink maintains a modern fleet of over 65 aircraft, including the latest Embraer E1 and E2 jets optimized for regional routes. The airline has invested in advanced technology such as Accelya’s FLX Select for contemporary retailing and uses collaborative inventory planning with Embraer for enhanced supply chain management. Its maintenance infrastructure is supported by industry-leading systems for reliability and rapid turnaround. Future-focused innovations include ongoing fleet renewal and IATA environmental certifications to further improve operational and service excellence.

    Airlink (South Africa) aircraft fleet and equipment

    Fleet Composition:

    Total Aircraft: 65

    Aircraft TypeQuantity
    Embraer ERJ 1351
    Embraer ERJ 1401
    Embraer ERJ 1451
    Embraer E1701
    Embraer E1901
    Embraer E1951
    Embraer E195-E21

    Average Fleet Age: 14.2 years

    Warehouses & Logistics Hubs

    Airlink supports a wide range of logistics and supply chain services for airlines and aviation partners, focusing on seamless cargo management and spare parts logistics. The airline’s main hub at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport is equipped for efficient hub operations, rapid ground support, and innovative logistics solutions. Integrated technology ensures fast cargo handling and supports the needs of other carriers. Strategic logistics partnerships and a commitment to operational excellence further strengthen Airlink's role as a logistics leader in the region.

    Key Hub Locations:

    LocationTypeFacilities
    Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB)mainMain hub facilities
    Cape Town (CPT)secondarySecondary hub facilities
    Durban King Shaka (DUR)secondarySecondary hub facilities

    Certifications & Compliance:

    • IOSA
    • IATA Environmental Assessment

    Global Locations & Network

    Airlink provides a robust global network by connecting more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries, including islands like Madagascar and St Helena. Its strategic focus on underserved routes strengthens intra-African air connectivity and links remote communities with main economic centers. The airline's growing international partnerships, including a recent codeshare with Turkish Airlines, extend its market presence beyond Africa. Its regional aviation logistics, partnerships, and integrated solutions offer competitive advantages for both passenger and cargo flows. Alliances with multiple carriers and innovation in supply chain solutions make Airlink an essential hub operative. The company’s ongoing commitment to reliability and strategic expansion supports its role in connecting global supply chains into and across Africa.

    Airlink (South Africa) global network and routes map

    Partners & Alliances:

    Turkish Airlines

    codeshare

    Carrier Partners & Alliances

    Airlink provides a robust global network by connecting more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries, including islands like Madagascar and St Helena. Its strategic focus on underserved routes strengthens intra-African air connectivity and links remote communities with main economic centers. The airline's growing international partnerships, including a recent codeshare with Turkish Airlines, extend its market presence beyond Africa. Its regional aviation logistics, partnerships, and integrated solutions offer competitive advantages for both passenger and cargo flows. Alliances with multiple carriers and innovation in supply chain solutions make Airlink an essential hub operative. The company’s ongoing commitment to reliability and strategic expansion supports its role in connecting global supply chains into and across Africa.

    Strategic Partnerships:

    PartnerType
    Turkish Airlinescodeshare

    Financial Metrics & Stability

    Airlink maintains a strong market position as Southern Africa's most consistently punctual and reliable regional carrier. The airline has seen steady revenue growth in recent years with a sustained focus on profitability and efficient operations. As a privately-owned company, it reinvests in fleet modernization, technology, and service upgrades to support future growth and maintain financial resilience.

    Key Financial Metrics:

    MetricValue
    Annual Revenue$0.4 billion
    Profit Margin5%
    Net Profit$20.0 million
    Financial Year2024

    Service Portfolio

    Airlink offers a full-service passenger experience with multiple cabin classes and complimentary onboard amenities on all flights. Its cargo division manages a variety of logistics, including shipment of urgent freight and specialized cargo services for regional partners. The airline supports aviation partners with extensive ground handling, maintenance, and spare parts supply solutions. Through integrated services and collaborative solutions, Airlink provides value across the aviation ecosystem. Key differentiators include premium lounges, loyalty benefits, and a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.

    Our Services:

    Business Class

    Passenger Service: Business Class

    Economy Class

    Passenger Service: Economy Class

    General cargo

    Cargo Service: General cargo

    Express/priority freight

    Cargo Service: Express/priority freight

    Specialized and urgent shipments

    Cargo Service: Specialized and urgent shipments

    Aircraft maintenance

    Additional Service: Aircraft maintenance

    Ground handling

    Additional Service: Ground handling

    Aviation training

    Additional Service: Aviation training